An Improvement-type Layout Algorithm for Single and Multiple-floor Facilities

Abstract

In this paper we introduce the use of space filling curves in facility layout, and we extend a well-known facility layout algorithm (CRAFT) to facilities with multiple floors. Spacefilling curves make it possible to exchange any two departments and to use more powerful exchange routines than two-way or three-way exchanges. We also further enhance CRAFT by controlling department shapes, and (with multiple floors) by allowing " flexible" departmental area requirements. Although the algorithm we present can be used for any single-floor or multi-floor facility layout problem, its primary target is production facilities. A tailored version of the algorithm was successfully tested and used in a large, multi-floor production facility. The algorithm differs significantly from two previous extensions of CRAFT to multi-floor facilities. (Facility Layout; Improvement Heuristics; Multi-floor Facilities; Layout Algorithms)