Selection of multi-criteria plant layout design by combining AHP and DEA methodologies

This paper deals with the problem of finding the optimal plant layout design. Decision-making methodologies based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach are applied in the selection of the best plant layout. New layouts are developed, in an efficient manner, based on the systematic layout planning (SLP). By using the multiple criteria, AHP is applied to weigh the qualitative performance measures. DEA is then used to determine the suitable layout design by measuring layouts’ efficiency, using the information of AHP and combining with the quantitative data. The utilization of the proposed procedure is applied to a real data set of a machining precision parts manufacturing company