Quadratic assignment algorithms
for the dynamic layout problem

Thomas A. Lacksonen
Dept. of Industrial and Systems Engineering
270 Stocker Center
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701 USA

E. Emory Enscore, Jr.
The Pennsylvania State University


Abstract

In a dynamic facilities layout problem, the objective is to minimize total costs: The flow costs over a series of discrete time periods plus the rearrangement costs of changing layouts between time periods. By assuming unit department sizes, the problem is modeled as a modified quadratic assignment problem. Five algorithms are modified to include the dynamic aspects. A cutting plane algorithm found the best solutions to a series of realistic test problems, outperforming exchange, branch and bound, dynamic programming and cut tree algorithms. It was able to solve a 30 location 5 time period problem in 200 CPU seconds.


Intl. Journ. Production Research, 1993, 31, 3, 503- 517.

lacksonent@uwstout.edu