Application of fuzzy materials-handling inputs with the genetic algorithm for machine layout

Each manufacturing industry produces a variety of products. Each product is different in terms of materials, process and production flow. These factors affect the total material handling, but the real situation has vagueness or fuzziness in the manufacturing system, depending on the periods of time involved, products variety, and business growth. A proper machine layout reduces material handling cost. Therefore, machine layout planning involved with fuzzy method is be applied to maximum utilization of facilities available. This paper presents the application of fuzzy set theory with a genetic algorithm for the selection operator using tournament selection for solving machine layout problems in order to manage vague information. Parameters including material flow frequency and material flow volume between workstations were considered as fuzzy numbers. The results were compared with a case study in a manufacturing system. The total distances had been from 38.45 m. to 26.25 m. 31.73% distance had been shorten. Therefore, the proposed method was able to solve machine layout problems effectively. Thus, it can be an alternative method in manufacturing management.