An analytical hierarchy approach to facility layout

Abstract

This paper presents a multi-criteria approach to the facility layout problem. The proposed constructive model, based on Saaty's Analytical Hierarchy Process, rates the set of pairs of potentially adjacent departments with respect to both qualitative and quantitative criteria. A computer program, incorporating a modified AHP portion and a layout construction module, was developed to construct departmental locations within a facility. The effectiveness of the approach and the computer program is illustrated with an example. © 1992.