Application of the Analytic Network Process to facility layout selection

This paper applies the Analytic Network Process (ANP) method to the selection of the best facility layout plan based on multiple dependent and independent criteria. This is the first time that this method is used in such a context. An ANP model is built taking into account the interdependencies between criteria that are found based on experts' opinions and fundamental equations. A network structure is built that shows all elements and clusters and their interactions that can be used to find the most effective layout. Limit priorities are computed which identify the most important factors in the selection process. A case study is conducted in a wood factory which represents a real demonstration of the developed model. A comparison is conducted between ANP and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) which shows the differences between the two methods. Finally, sensitivity analysis shows the robustness of the model. (C) 2014 The Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.