A HEURISTIC MODEL FOR SIMULTANEOUS STORAGE SPACE ALLOCATION AND BLOCKLAYOUT PLANNING

A heuristic, analytical model is developed to integrate the work in pr ocess storage space allocation and block layout planning steps of the facility design process. The model is applicable when identical unit l oads are transported by a discrete materials handling system. The mode l is applied in the context of a 'CRAFT like' procedure where the user can reallocate storage space between departments on successive iterat ions while simultaneously considering materials handling volume distan ce and dynamically changing storage requirements. The scope of model i nputs includes the layout, materials handling system attributes and pr oduction parameters. It is shown that the analytical nature of the mod el and scope of model inputs also allow the user to investigate signif icantly different production scenarios and materials handling system d esigns in layout planning. As a result, the model provides greater mod elling flexibility than simulation and Petri net modelling in supporti ng sensitivity analyses in layout design. An example problem is used t o illustrate application of the model.