An integrated methodology for automating the determination of layout and materials handling system

Due to non-polynomial hardness, the facility layout problem (FLP) becomes more critical when pickup/drop-off (P/D) locations are considered in the design of an open field layout under a manufacturing environment. This paper proposes an indigenous model of the facility layout problem based on random search techniques and its solution methodology using a genetic algorithm (GA), simulated annealing (SA) and a hybrid algorithm (HA). The paper illustrates the performance of different random search operating parameters in solving the facility layout problem considering P/D locations along the periphery of rectangular machine blocks. The preliminary experiments were carried out on three facility layout test problems having six, eight and ten machines in order to fix the different operating parameters such as crossover operator, crossover rate, initial temperature, temperature reduction factor, number of generations, population size, etc. The results of extensive preliminary experimentation were utilized to solve facility layout problems having 12 and 18 machines and, finally, were compared with the existing procedures in the literature. The experimental tables and related analysis performed via the solution methods by applying GA, SA and HA revealed that random-search-based modeling of FLP considering P/D and its solution as suggested in this paper is worth pursuing.

Section: Comparison With Other Methodologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Solution of facility layout problems with pickup/drop-off locations using random search techniques

Deb¹,

Bhattacharyya

2005

“…Other integrated approache s have been proposed. Welgama and Gibson (1996) proposed a new methodology using a knowledge-based/optimization approach for the determination of layout and the materials-handling system when neither of these is ®xed. The knowledge base determines the feasibility of a materials-handling equipment type for a given move while the optimization determines how the machines should be laid out to minimize the materials-handlin g costs and the dead space.…”

Section: Literature Surveymentioning

confidence: 99%

Operation allocation and materials-handling system selection in a flexible manufacturing system: A sequential modelling approach

Paulo¹,

Lashkari²,

Dutta³

2002

Materials-handling systems are an integrating component of manufacturing operations and as such must be considered within a common framework in manufacturing systems design. This work proposes a ®rst approach to the simultaneous consideration of the operation allocation and the materials-handling system selection problems in a¯exible manufacturing system. The objective of the operation allocation model is to select a group of machines where the operations of the part types will be performed and then to assign those operations to the selected machines. The operation allocation model interfaces with the materials-handling system selection model by providing input data in the form of the manufacturing operations to be performed at each machining centre. The selection of the materials-handling system is centred on the matching of the parts visiting a machining centre to perform a manufacturing operation and the abilities of the handling equipment to perform the required materials handling functions of those part types. The objective is to select an optimal group of materials-handling equipment to be assigned to a cell.

“…The MHE selection problem is made much more difficult by the lack of a systematic approach to equipment selection. Thus, several expert systems have been built for the MHE selection problem (Chu et al, 1995;Fisher et al, 1988;Kim and Eom, 1997;Maison et al, 1992;Park, 1996;Welgama and Gibson, 1996). It is apparent that knowledge associated with material handling is not obtained from one single source or one human expert.…”

Section: Compilation Of the Knowledge Basementioning

confidence: 99%

Design of a web-based integrated material handling system for manufacturing applications

Cho

Egbelu

2005

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