THE USE OF REALISTIC MATERIALS MOVEMENT DISTANCE IN FACILITIES RELAYOUT EVALUATION

Abstract

The facilities layout problem is identified to be "ill-structured" and complex. Two major criteria are used in the evaluation of layouts closeness desirability and materials movement cost. The material movement cost is quantitative in nature and hence it is more acceptable. It is identified that this quantitative criterion is dependent on distance moved by materials. The paper identified the importance of traffic system in layout evaluation; also the most recent layout planning procedures were highlighted. The importance of accurately measuring distance moved by materials was discussed, this is followed by the use of series of tests to establish the influence of fixed cost per journey variable cost per journey and work center cell dominance. Also a brief discussion on the software developed by Author is included and finally comments and conclusions were made on the evaluation criterion and development of computer software.