GROUPING AND PLACEMENT OF MACHINE CELLS

We consider a real-world machine grouping and layout problem in which the objective is not only to identify machine cells and corresponding part families but also to determine a near-optimal layout of machines within each cell and the cells themselves. The three-stage approach de veloped incorporates materials flow considerations while determining m achine groups, considers alternative process plans, exploits part rout ing information and allows the user to perform sensitivity analysis. T he menu-driven, interactive program has been applied to four test prob lems and an industrial problem. Our experience with applying the appro ach to the industrial problem is also reported.