Linguistic pattern-based facility layout optimization in designing sustainable manufacturing systems

Sustainable manufacturing plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, social development and environmental well-being. The Facility Layout Problem (FLP) in manufacturing involves optimizing the arrangement of resources for cost reduction and increased productivity. Sustainable facility layouts aim to minimize environmental impact, enhance social responsibility, and align with economic efficiency. Central considerations include resource efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and adherence to green building principles. Socially responsible layouts prioritize worker well-being, safety, and job satisfaction, contributing to a positive organizational reputation. The research introduces a novel method for solving FLP using scatter plots without predefined object locations. This approach employs optimization based on linguistic patterns with fuzzy variables, providing flexibility in modeling diverse manufacturing and supply chain problems. The paper presents simulation-based experiments to validate the proposed method, comparing it with a previous model. The generated scatter plots serve as tools for supporting sustainable manufacturing, offering qualitative and quantitative insights into designing systems that meet specific sustainability goals. The study contributes by bridging qualitative and quantitative approaches, particularly in handling imprecise and uncertain data. The proposed method's flexibility allows for formalizing and applying expert knowledge, influencing the continuous sustainability of manufacturing processes. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the proposed method, its sensitivity to parameter changes, and its potential impact on sustainable manufacturing.