Matching Based Interactive Facility Layout,
Abstract
The problem of laying out facilities is very difficult from a practical as well as a methodological point of view. As a result the layout process generally involves a block layout phase and a detailed layout phase. During the block layout phase the various elements of the facility are aggregated into areas or blocks. Each block represents a department, office, or some other major work area. An attempt is then made to optimally position these blocks within the facility. Once the block layout is determined, a detailed layout is performed. This involves specifying the exact position of equipment and work areas within each block as well as the necessary support such as electric outlets, water, etc. Except for imposing certain restrictions on the size and shape of the blocks to insure that everything will fit, these details are essentially ignored in the block layout phase. We develop here an interactive approach to the block layout problem. The approach has three major components: an optimization model, a colorgraphics computer interface, and a human decision maker. The output from the model is displayed in network form on a colorgraphics terminal. The human decision maker utilizes this information together with his knowledge of the layout problem to selectively impose additional constraints on the model or to relax previously imposed constraints. The procedure iterates between the human decision maker and the optimization model, via the colorgraphics interface, until an acceptable layout is obtained.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA124958
Entities
People
- Benoit Montreuil
- H. Donald Ratliff
- Marc Goetschalckx
Organizations
- Georgia Tech