Objective:

This paper presents a review of the results obtained by an optimization methodology based on the application of the firefly algorithm (FA) as a metaheuristic planning tool with the purpose of finding the optimal facility layout in order to reduce the distances and flow times between processes of the production chain.

Methodology:

By means of implementing the MATLAB script, the goal was to evaluate the FA as applied to the facility layout distribution optimization problem, conducting a test of two facility layout cases with the algorithm. The FA was applied in order to evaluate the performance with respect to the initial facility layout configuration, as well as in comparison with a conventional heuristic algorithm.

Results:

The most relevant result was the verification of the FA’s degree of efficiency regarding the convergence time, as expressed in terms of the number of cycles required to reach an optimal solution in comparison with the conventional heuristic algorithm used for validation.

Conclusions:

The total optimized distance in the plant achieves a low significant value. A reduced number of iterations is required to reach an optimal value in the case of a complex facility layout.