Optimization of Bi-objective Un-equal Area Facility Layout Problem with Grid System Approach by Simulated Annealing

Abstract

   Facility layout is one of the classic and challenging problems in the literature of Operations Research. In this paper, a bi-objective, un-equal area, open-field FLP is investigated. Grid system FLP is chosen, because, there are problems in the real world, which have to be modeled discretely due to their high complexity. First of all, an integer non-linear mathematical model is proposed to address the grid system and un-equality of the size of the facilities. Then, in order to solve the model, a bi-objective simulated Annealing optimization algorithm is proposed. After that, by solving the two examples, the validation and efficiency of the proposed SA are shown by comparing with exact methods of small size instance and solving the large-sized problem respectively. Also, the non-dominated answers (Pareto optimal set) have been obtained, as a user can choose the desired layout based on his/her opinion. Finally, conclusions and suggestions are proposed.