Machine Placements Based on the Single-Loop Material Flow Configuration

Manufacturing layout studies have traditionally considered only the block arrangement (layout) problem. Flows are generally measured from department centroids and distance is measured using rectilinear or Euclidean metrics. Recent studies on aisle-based material handling systems indicate that the flow path design has a significant impact on the performance of the manufacturing system. The study presented in this paper considers the integration of the facility layout problem, the flow path layout problem and the related problem of locating pickup/delivery (P/D) stations. We consider only the single-loop flow path configuration. We use the term “machine placements” since the block sizes we consider are based on a unit machine block.