A cooperative assistant system for factory layout planning

This paper describes a purpose of the development of an assistant system for the design of factory layouts. It first demonstrates that cooperative design and concurrent design is necessary in order to meet all the requirements of complex design tasks as they appear in enterprises. The analysis of the domain demonstrates the hazard of existing approaches trying to replace the planner rather than to support him. With this alternative we want to show the advantages of assistant modes of use to support experts during their daily work. The problem solving process of design tasks incorporates a team of heterogeneous experts negotiating goals and restrictions to come to an entirely optimal solution. Assistant systems are able even to support decisions, negotiation, and project management.