Enhancements


VIP-PLANOPT 10 enhancements

 

Data grid spread sheet

Now the user may input modules data using a data grid table that works as a spread sheet. The user input data is continually checked and user is informed of any error in the input data. Some basic properties of modules may be input through a single click.


New Benchmark Problems

New benchmark problems have been introduced from the published literature to increase the confidence in the optimized layouts produced by VIP-PLANOPT.


Improved Import & Export

Import and export of data are improved and work more smoothly.


64 Bit Compatibility

The software design has been overhauled for 64 bit PC's. At the same time, it is ensured that it will have the same performance on 32 bit machines.


VIP-PLANOPT 2006 enhancements


Optimization Algorithm

The optimization algorithm logic has been improved based on research work. Considering that no other algorithm has come even close to PLANOPT for the last 15 years, this is a remarkable improvement.


Boundary Shape Constraint

Boundary constraint has been introduced. This allows the user to specify a boundary to contain all modules within the user-specified boundary. The user may specify a rectangular boundary or a composite boundary shape made of orthogonal straight line segments.


Less Dependence on Seed

The improved algorithm exhibits less dependence on the starting seed value. This was one of the major objectives in the development of PLANOPT from the beginning. The total number of seeds is only 2N where N is the number of modules. Now this dependence has been decreased and mores seeds now yield similar solutions.


Double Precision Arithmetic

The critical parts of the software now have double precision arithmetic. This has resulted in almost a crash proof algorith.


Better Display Resolution

Display windows have been restructured for higher screen resolution. This provides a full screen display for systems with 1024x768 pixels resolution setting.


New Module Import Option

Module dimensions can now be imported from any text file. This will help in large problems and industrial applications that may have data coming from a centralized data base.


New Layout Import Option

Layouts can now be imported from any text file. This option will let the user compare any alternative layouts with the optimal layout generated by VIP-PLANOPT 2006 10.


Main Window Restructured

All optimization parameters and constraints control are now on the main window. This makes the input simpler and faster.


Instant Display of Optimal Layout

Optimal display appears now on the main window. This helps the user experiment easily with different optimization parameters and see the results instantly.


Tabular Display of User's Input

User's input now appears in a tabular form on the main window. The user can select any module for editing from this table.


Tabular Display Lower Left Corners

When optimization is finished, the table also displays the coordinates of the lower left corners of the modules in the optimal layout.


Improved Teaching Aid

More tips and banners of academic interest have been introduced. This has increased the educational value of the software.


Module Defaults Resetting

A button has been provided on the “Create Module” Frame to reset default module dimensions.


Hard Module Improved Graphic Input

Hard module shape can now be modified graphically by left-right and top-bottom arrows as well as by clicking to specify the upper right corner.


Easier Module Deletion

A separate frame now has the Delete button. The frame displays the module Id that will be deleted when the button will be clicked


Wider Data Entry Cells

Flow/Cost matrix window data entry cells are now bigger to help user put larger numbers and numbers with decimal points.


Auto Increment Off/On

Flow/Cost matrix window now has an option to turn auto-cell increment on or off. This helps the user who want to enter the matrix elements manually.


Matrix Import Option

Flow/Cost matrix import options have been provided. The may choose to import any of the four: 1) complete matrix, 2) upper triangle, 3) lower triangle and 4) element by element (needed for sparse matrices).


Enhanced Matrix Input

Flow/Cost matrix window is now bigger and has been improved with new options.


New Term: “Anchored”

Fixed position module is now referred to as “Anchored” modules. The “Position” frame now has options “Movable” an d ”Anchored”..


Bigger Placement Window

The Placement window for Anchored modules is now bigger, making it convenient for the user.


Placement Bug Removed

On the module placement window , the graphic input had a bug that made a module change its size when clicked. The bug has been removed and graphic input has been made smooth.


Improved Placement Tips

The display of tips for the placement window has been improved by providing a “Help” button.


PD Point Input Improved

Graphic input operation on the Pick-up and Drop-off window has now improved due to higher screen resolution.


Seed Duplicates Removed

Optimization seed input is now on the main window. A bug that caused duplicate optimization seeds in the pop-down list has been fixed.


Module Padding Improved

The graphic input capability of the Module Padding window has been enhanced.


Other Constraints Window

A button with the label “Other Constraints” is now available on the main window for user's convenience. A bug in the input of upper bounds on distance has been removed.


Optimal Layout Analysis

The optimal layout display and evaluation window has been significantly enhanced with some new options and more information.


New Benchmark Problem

An academic problem from Ref. [Tompkins et al, Facilities Planning, 3rd Ed., John Wiley Inc., NY, 2002.] has been added to the set of benchmark problems.


Module Padding Constraint

he constrained optimization problem can be solved almost as fast as the unconstrained problem and can be used to automatically get aisles.


Forbidden Area Module

A new option of tagging an “Anchored” module as Forbidden Area Modules has been introduced. It can be used to model non-usable spaces. The tag has been provided on the Placement Window.


Bypass Zero Flow Check

A bypass option to the check for zero flow modules has been provided. A change in the optimization algorithm now makes it possible to optimize even though some modules may have no flow.


Negative Flow Option

Option of negative flow now can keep any two departments away from each other in the optimal layout to ensure safety, security, noise reduction, etc.


Benchmark Problem L3

The improved optimization algorithm now yields the same (best) optimal layout for all seeds.


Benchmark Problem L4B

The improved optimization algorithm now yields the same (best) optimal layout for all seeds


Benchmark Problem L28

VIP-PLANOPT 2006 produces an optimal layout with the cost function value of 6447 as compared to 6559 obtained by all previous releases of PLANOPT.


Benchmark Problem L50

VIP-PLANOPT 2006 produces an optimal layout with the cost function value of 78224 as compared to 79234 obtained by all previous releases of PLANOPT.


Benchmark Problem L75

VIP-PLANOPT 2006 produces an optimal layout with the cost function value of 34396. as compared to 34967 obtained by all previous releases of PLANOPT.


Benchmark Problem L100

VIP-PLANOPT 2006 produces an optimal layout with the cost function value of 538193 as compared to 54799 obtained by all previous releases of PLANOPT.


Benchmark Problem L125A

VIP-PLANOPT 2006 produces an optimal layout with the cost function value of 288774 as compared to 298410 obtained by all previous releases of PLANOPT.


Benchmark Problem L125B

VIP-PLANOPT 2006 produces an optimal layout with the cost function value of 1084451 as compared to 1096800 obtained by all previous releases of PLANOPT.


VIP-PLANOPT generates optimized floor plan layouts such that:
1) All modules representing functional units, departments, facilities, etc. are placed at their optimal or near-optimal (best possible) positions.
2) Dimensions (sizes) of variable aspect-ratio modules are optimized;