The concurrent block layout problem

Abstract

The interdependency of block layout and detail level work centre layout is discussed and used to motivate the problem of concurrent block layout planning. The concurrent perspective emphasises the simultaneous minimisation of materials handling cost between work centres and maximisation of activity relationships within work centres. The resultant bi-criteria problem is formulated and a series of test problems are generated. Simple Monte Carlo simulation is used to demonstrate how modelling tools applied to the traditional block layout problem could be adapted in the development of a new class of algorithms based on the concurrent perspective.

Keywords:

• block layout
• materials handling
• activity relationships
• space filling curves
• Monte Carlo simulation