Addressing the facilities layout design problem through constraint logic programming

摘要

One of the most difficult problems that faces researchers experimenting with complex systems in real world applications is the Facility Layout Design Problem. It relies upon the design and location of production lines, machinery and equipment, inventory storage and shipping facilities. In this work it is intended to address this problem through the use of Constraint Logic Programming (CLP) technology. The use of Genetic Algorithms (GA) as optimisation technique in CLP environment is also an issue addressed. The approach aims at the implementation of genetic algorithm operators following the CLP paradigm.