Optimal Plant Layout Design based on MASS Algorithm

Abstract

In this paper we have proposed a semiheuristic optimization algorithm for designing optimal plant layouts in process-focused manufacturing/sem'ce facilities. OUT proposed algorithm marries the wellknown CRAFT (Computerized Relative Allocation of Facilities Technique) with the Hungarian assignment algorithm. Being a semi-heuristic search, OUT alyolithm is likely to be more eficient in tems of computer CPU engagement time as it tends to converge on the global optimum faster than the traditional CRAFT algorithm - a pure heuristic. We also present a numerical illustration of OUT algorithm. We also suggest an eztension to the problem under study through the incorporation of principles of neutrasophic statistics.