Title: An extension of systematic layout planning by using fuzzy AHP and fuzzy VIKOR methods: a case study

Authors: Adolfo Rene Santa Cruz Rodriguez; Paulo Vitor De Oliveira

Addresses: Department of Production and Systems Engineering, Santa Catarina State University, Santa Catarina, Brazil ' Department of Production and Systems Engineering, Santa Catarina State University, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract: Facility layout problem (FLP) is a complex task generally affected by multiple conflicting criteria, uncertainties, ambiguity, non-commensurable, inaccurate or incomplete information. This paper addresses these characteristics by extending the systematic layout planning (SLP) procedure with integration of SLP, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and fuzzy VIKOR (FVIKOR) methods into a fuzzy multi criteria group decision making analysis. The problem is addressed in three stages: 1) feasible layout alternatives are generated using the SLP procedure; 2) the weights of the criteria are determined using FAHP; 3) FVIKOR is used to select the most appropriate layout using qualitative and quantitative criteria. We take advantage of the main characteristic of the FVIKOR method to provide a compromising solution including non-commensurable and conflicting criteria. A real-world case study on improving the layout of a production line in a suction valve industry is conducted to illustrate these approaches. The results showed the applicability and effectiveness of the SLP extension to handle FLP under fuzzy environments. [Submitted 6 January 2020; Accepted 12 January 2021]

Keywords: facility layout problem; FLP; fuzzy AHP; FAHP; fuzzy VIKOR; FVIKOR; systematic layout planning; SLP.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIE.2022.119368

European Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2022 Vol.16 No.1, pp.1 - 30

Received: 06 Jan 2020
Accepted: 12 Jan 2021
Published online: 01 Dec 2021 *

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