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In this paper. based on a number of site visits we performed, we present certain fundamental differences between kitting and line stocking (i.e., no kitting), and we develop definitions which are intended to serve as a framework to study most kitting operations. We also develop a descriptive model which can be used to quantify the trade-offs in material handling, space requirements, and work-in-process between kitting and line stocking at an early decision stage. We present a numerical example to demonstrate the model and some of the insight we gained. Lastly, we discuss new research directions to further explore kitting and its impact on the shop floor.

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In this paper we introduce the use of spacefilling curves in facility layout, and we extend a well-known facility layout algorithm () to facilities with multiple floors. Spacefilling curves make it possible to exchange any two departments and to use more powerful exchange routines than two-way or three-way exchanges. We also further enhance CRAFT by controlling department shapes, and (with multiple floors) by allowing "flexible" departmental area requirements. Although the algorithm we present can be used for any single-floor or multi-floor facility layout problem, its primary target is production facilities. A tailored version of the algorithm was successfully tested and used in a large, multi-floor production facility. The algorithm differs significantly from two previous extensions of to multi-floor facilities.facility layout, improvement heuristics, multi-floor facilities, layout algorithms

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