Computer-aided layout planning—the way ahead

Computer programs for layout planning are used in a minority of cases and an; often found only marginally useful. This paper identifies several limitations in mainstream computer approaches and suggests four main areas requiring further work. The facilities offerred by a prototype integrated package for layout planning analysis are described and the use of interactive graphics for layout planning are reviewed. The paper suggests that the way ahead in computer-aided layout planning lies in integrating these techniques within a powerful computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture system.