Applying Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm For Unequal Facility Layout Problem

Abstract

The Unequal Area Facility Layout Problem (UA-FLP) is an important relevant subset of facility planning issues due to its practical applications in the production, service, and construction fields. Although there have been several methods (mathematical modelling, heuristics, and metaheuristics) to address this problem, there still maintains motivation as it is a very big topic to work with. In this research, a particle swarm optimization approach (PSO) is proposed to solve for unequal facility layout problem where a set of rectangular facilities with given area requirements are located on flat space of the ground, without overlap. The goal is to determine the locations and dimensions of the facilities in such a way that the sum of material handling cost between facilities is minimized. The constraints of the problem include satisfying the area requirements of the departments, the boundaries of the layout and constraints on the shapes of the departments, such as minimum side length and respective material handling cost. The output of the FLP is called the block layout, which specifies the relative locations and shapes of considered departments.