A framework for facility layout problem characterization in a bi-directional logistics context

• Vintimilla Alvarez, Paola ^[1] ; Alarcón Valero, Faustino ^[2]
  1. [1] Universidad de Cuenca

     Universidad de Cuenca

     Cuenca, Ecuador

     
  2. [2] Universidad Politécnica de Valencia

     Universidad Politécnica de Valencia

     Valencia, España

     
• Localización: Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, ISSN-e 2013-0953, Vol. 18, Nº. 1, 2025 (Ejemplar dedicado a: In process), págs. 130-144
• Idioma: inglés
• Enlaces
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• Resumen

  • Purpose: This paper aims to propose a framework to define the facility layout problem (FLP) in a bi-directional logistics (BL) context, specifically highlighting the main factors that enterprises must consider when reverse flow is introduced in forward logistics (FL).Design/methodology/approach: A characterization of the problem is proposed based on outstanding works that define similar problems in the bibliography and main characteristics identification in FLP through a bibliographic review. Aspects to consider for BL are distinguished and classified.Findings: Research findings indicate that BL is an unexplored term. There are no articles that connect BL with FLP, there is an unaddressed gap.Research limitations/implications: Founded articles refer to reverse logistics (RL) characteristics the ones about BL.Practical implications: Academic and practical implications of this article include understanding the importance of FLP in the BL context, identifying the impact of factors such as material, machinery, labour, among others.Originality/value: This article proposes an opening to study the impact of BL in the FLP for enterprises.