Decision Support Framework for the Selection of a Layout Type

One of the most important design decisions in a firm is the choice for a manufacturing layout type. This chapter shows which aspects have to be taken into account and suggests a systematic method for the decision problem. The method can be seen as a decision support framework, which links the various aspects. The framework is based on the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) approach. A case study, concerning a Dutch firm, illustrates the applicability of the framework in a practical instance.