Development of a method for the optimal planning of the relocation of factory objects in the course of the realisation of a new factory layout

In the context of planning new factories or restructuring existing ones, companies inevitably reach the point where they need to realise the planned factory structure in the form of a target layout. In this phase, the focus is primarily on the relocation of factory objects (e.g. machines, workplaces, etc.), which can be characterised as complex and time-consuming, particularly due to the spatial dimensions and time sequences involved.

In how many steps can the relocation be realised? Is an interruption of production to be expected? Will external know-how have to be called in to realise the move? The clarification of these questions requires a detailed temporal and spatial planning of the individual relocation steps. However, methodological support for this planning task does not yet exist.

The aim of the research project is to develop a procedure for the methodical design of an optimal relocation plan with regard to relevant target criteria (e.g. low downtime costs, low realisation time, etc.), taking into account temporal and spatial restrictions. In addition to the selection of a suitable relocation strategy, the number and temporal arrangement of potential relocation steps should also be the result of the method. A more efficient implementation of planned layout concepts represents the central added value for companies.