Leveraging Generative Design for Industrial Layout Planning : SWOT Analysis Insights from a Practical Case of Papermill Layout Design

Layout design is a complex problem requiring significant expertise and considerable effort. Digital tools and Generative Design (GD) concepts provide opportunities for improving and automating the layout design process. However, the adoption of GD concepts in practice still needs to be improved. Hence, case studies where GD has been used in practice can offer critical insights into GD implementation. This research presents the findings from the SWOT (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) analysis of such a case study. The industry commissioned the researchers to develop a GD tool for layout design optioneering for paper mills. Thus, the findings are based on action research, which provided the authors with first-hand insights into the practical challenges and opportunities for GD implementation in industrial facility layout problems (FLP). Findings suggest that the objectives and technical rules governing industrial layouts make a strong case for GD implementations. However, the lack of established digital workflow, the need for GD expertise and experience within client teams, and the lack of GD best practices are the major threats and weaknesses limiting GD adoption and implementation. Based on the findings, implications for GD research and practice are discussed.