Strategic Interpolative Design of Dynamic Manufacturing Systems Layouts

This paper presents a proactive strategic methodology for designing dynamic layouts for the expansion (or decline) phase of manufacturing systems. The methodology first estimates probable scenarios of the system requirements at its maturity level, strategically designs mature layouts given the set of scenarios, then tactically interpolates intermediate layouts, backward to the initial facilities plan. For manufacturing systems with rigid facilities, the paper provides a linear programming model sustaining this proactive strategic methodology. The model efficiently generates optimal layouts for all intermediate expansion phases given a goal layout for the final mature phase of the expansion plan, the phased cell sets, the phased flow and relationships sets, and various design constraints, for an array of objectives.