Metaheuristics for fuzzy dynamic facility layout problem with unequal area constraints and closeness ratings.

Dynamic facility layout problem deals with the problem of arranging and rearranging the layout plan of a system throughout several periods. In each period, the material handling costs are different from the past period due to the change in the market demand and product mix. In this paper, the uncertainty that exists in transportation values' forecast is modeled by fuzzy theory. In this paper, departments have unequal areas. This means that in each period, departments can be placed only in certain places due to different spacing requirements. In addition, closeness rating matrix is considered in order to model the goodness of different layout plans with regard to qualitative factors according to decision maker. Accordingly, fuzzy dynamic facility layout problem with unequal areas and closeness rating matrix is considered that aims to minimize the uncertain material handling costs as well as the shifting costs, and maximize closeness rating with regard to space requirements of unequal area departments. A number of fuzzy algorithms are developed in order to deal with the problem. A number of ranking criteria from the literature are implemented in order to compare the performance of the developed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]