A Quantified Model for Facility Site Selection-Application to a Multiplant Location Problem

Abstract

Abstract Present location theory ranges from lists of subjective factors to be used as guidelines on the one hand to mathematical models utilizing only monetary factors on the other. A void has existed with respect to using all relevant location information in a comprehensive location model. Such a model is presented in this paper. All factors, both subjective and those quantifiable, are evaluated, converted to consistent, dimensionless indices, and then combined to yield the location measure of a given site. These location measures may be used to select a single location or may serve as input to a second model which solves a multiplant location problem. The entire process has been programmed in FORTRAN IV and is currently in use.