Layout design in dynamic environments: analytical issues

The paper discusses the layout problem for a productive environment affected by variability of demand (dynamic environment). A conceptual framework of the layout flexibility is discussed, according to the concept of layout robustness. An analytical approach extends the technique adopted for the optimal layout determination from the static to the dynamic context. For an assigned layout problem, an example shows how the analytical approach may be applied to the calculation of the probability distribution of the cost function. From this basis, a measure of the layout robustness is proposed and commented on, in order to give useful advice to those in charge of layout planning and control and to highlight the potential use of the theoretical issues discussed.