Automated Layout Design Programme or ALDEP

Here the closeness relationship between two department is used to build up layout . Computer selects randomly the first facility and locates. Subsequent facilities selected on the basis of closeness relationship factor given in the preference matrix. When no further high relationship facility is found the other facilities are locations at random. The preference matrix provides the relative facility location preference denoted by letters ranging from A absolutely essential) to F (undesirable) various arrangements of facilities can be generated in the same way for further analysis. The effectiveness of each of the layout is measured by performance score, which says how well they wanted relationship are fulfilled. This program requires the inputs.

1. Size of each facility,
2. Description of building specifying features (aisles etc) if any
3. Preference matrix ,and
4. Number of layouts to be produced

The layouts so produced are plotted by using a plotter that gives the layouts along  with preference scores to help to select the best layout. This ALDEP program can also handle layout problems of multi-storey buildings (up to three floors). This program is more suitable for re layout problem where one or more than one department can be kept in fixed locations and other department may be shifted from the present location.