The facilities layout problem: a multi-goal approach

This paper presents a combined quantitative and qualitative (subjective) approach to the plant layout problem. The two objectives, which may be conflicting, are minimizing the material handling cost and maximizing a closeness rating measure. A heuristic algorithm is developed which results in a discrete efficient frontier set, including only 'efficient layouts’. By specifying the different weights, or range of weights, for these goals, the 'best’ solution (layout) is generated.