Robust solutions to single and multi-period machine layout problems with interval flows

Abstract

Design clecisous are genevcUly given in the early stages when there is a great deal of inexactness in the data gathered. In this study, we consider the plant Uiyout problem witli inexactness in material flow quantities with the aim of designing robust layouts. Material flow quantities are assumed to lie in a priori specified intervals based, for example, on low ¿md high demands. The robustness criterion we use is to minimize the maximum I’egret. We extend our work to the multi-period case where a distinction is made between reversible and irreversible layout decisions.