Factory and layout planning, methodically
How to choose planning tools, build a layout from floor plan to approval, prepare a from-to matrix you can rely on, and tell value stream work apart from material flow planning. Method knowledge to work with, including worked examples and checklists.
Updated 2026-10-20
- 9 min read
Factory planning software: tool classes and how to choose
Which tool classes are used in factory planning, which functions a planning software needs in each planning phase, and which criteria matter when you choose one.
Tool selection VDI 5200 Planning phases - 8 min read
Online layout planning: from floor plan to approved detailed layout
Block layout, detailed layout, floor space balance and traffic routes: how a layout planning run works in the browser, including the checks that have to pass before approval.
Block layout Detailed layout Space balance - 11 min read
Material flow analysis with a from-to matrix
Turn transport data into a reliable from-to matrix, calculate transport intensity and transport performance, and derive an arrangement from the result, with a worked example.
From-to matrix Transport intensity Data preparation - 9 min read
Value stream design or material flow analysis?
Two methods, two questions: value stream design optimises time and inventory, material flow analysis optimises distances and space. When you need which, and how they work together.
Value stream design Material flow Method comparison
Look up the terms
Short definitions of from-to matrix, transport intensity, floor space balance, value stream design and other terms used in these guides.
Go to glossarymatflow in practice
Layout planning, material flow analysis and variant comparison in the browser. The product pages show how the methods are implemented in matflow.