An Optimization Model for Closed-Loop Supply Chain Scheduling Problem

Abstract

In today's complex world and in order to increase competitiveness, planners in the manufacturing systems have focused on product distribution and collection of used products. In this paper, the closed-loop supply chain scheduling problem is investigated for the first time. A comprehensive and integrated model is presented for production scheduling, delivering products to retailers using limited-capacity vehicles, and pick-upping end of life products in order to recycle and reuse in supply chain. The aim of this problem is to minimize maximum tardiness. Due to the fact that this problem is NP-hard, a genetic algorithm is presented to solve the large-size instances by obtaining near-optimal solutions. To illustrate the importance of the problem under consideration, a case study of the motor oil supply chain is presented.