Planning of a distribution network utilizing a heterogeneous fixed fleet with a balanced workload

Punsara Hettiarachchi, Subodha Dharmapriya, A. Kulatunga
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Abstract

Purpose This study aims to minimize the transportation-related cost in distribution while utilizing a heterogeneous fixed fleet to deliver distinct demand at different geographical locations with a proper workload balancing approach. An increased cost in distribution is a major problem for many companies due to the absence of efficient planning methods to overcome operational challenges in distinct distribution networks. The problem addressed in this study is to minimize the transportation-related cost in distribution while using a heterogeneous fixed fleet to deliver distinct demand at different geographical locations with a proper workload balancing approach which has not gained the adequate attention in the literature. Design/methodology/approach This study formulated the transportation problem as a vehicle routing problem with a heterogeneous fixed fleet and workload balancing, which is a combinatorial optimization problem of the NP-hard category. The model was solved using both the simulated annealing and a genetic algorithm (GA) adopting distinct local search operators. A greedy approach has been used in generating an initial solution for both algorithms. The paired t-test has been used in selecting the best algorithm. Through a number of scenarios, the baseline conditions of the problem were further tested investigating the alternative fleet compositions of the heterogeneous fleet. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Hsu’s MCB methods to identify the best scenario. Findings The solutions generated by both algorithms were subjected to the t-test, and the results revealed that the GA outperformed in solution quality in planning a heterogeneous fleet for distribution with load balancing. Through a number of scenarios, the baseline conditions of the problem were further tested investigating the alternative fleet utilization with different compositions of the heterogeneous fleet. Results were analyzed using ANOVA and Hsu’s MCB method and found that removing the lowest capacities trucks enhances the average vehicle utilization with reduced travel distance. Research limitations/implications The developed model has considered both planning of heterogeneous fleet and the requirement of work load balancing which are very common industry needs, however, have not been addressed adequately either individually or collectively in the literature. The adopted solution methodologies to solve the NP-hard distribution problem consist of metaheuristics, statistical analysis and scenario analysis are another significant contribution. The planning of distribution operations not only addresses operational-level decision, through a scenario analysis, but also strategic-level decision has also been considered. Originality/value The planning of distribution operations not only addresses operational-level decisions, but also strategic-level decisions conducting a scenario analysis.
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利用负载均衡的异构固定机队进行配电网规划
本研究旨在利用异构固定车队,以适当的工作量平衡方法,在不同地理位置交付不同需求的同时,最大限度地减少运输相关的配送成本。由于缺乏有效的规划方法来克服不同分销网络中的运营挑战,分销成本的增加是许多公司面临的主要问题。本研究解决的问题是,在使用异构固定车队在不同地理位置提供不同需求的同时,将运输相关的配送成本降至最低,并采用适当的工作量平衡方法,这在文献中没有得到足够的关注。设计/方法/途径本研究将运输问题表述为具有异构固定车队和工作负载平衡的车辆路线问题,这是NP-hard类别的组合优化问题。该模型采用模拟退火和采用不同局部搜索算子的遗传算法求解。在生成两种算法的初始解时使用了贪心方法。配对t检验用于选择最佳算法。通过多个场景,进一步测试了问题的基线条件,研究了异构车队的备选车队组成。采用方差分析(ANOVA)和Hsu的MCB方法对结果进行分析,以确定最佳方案。两种算法生成的解决方案都进行了t检验,结果表明,遗传算法在规划具有负载平衡的异构车队的解决方案质量方面优于负载平衡。通过许多场景,进一步测试了问题的基线条件,研究了不同组成的异构车队的替代车队利用率。利用方差分析和Hsu的MCB方法对结果进行分析,发现去除最低容量的卡车可以提高车辆的平均利用率,同时减少行驶距离。研究的局限性/意义所开发的模型考虑了异构车队的规划和工作负载平衡的要求,这是非常常见的行业需求,然而,在文献中没有单独或集体地充分解决。采用元启发式、统计分析和情景分析等方法解决NP-hard分布问题是另一个重要贡献。通过情景分析,配送业务的规划不仅涉及运营层面的决策,而且还考虑了战略层面的决策。原创性/价值分销业务的规划不仅涉及运营层面的决策,还涉及进行情景分析的战略层面决策。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
9.40
自引率
0.00%
发文量
31
期刊介绍: The Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing aims to foster and lead the international debate on global operations and strategic sourcing. It provides a central, authoritative and independent forum for the critical evaluation and dissemination of research and development, applications, processes and current practices relating to sourcing strategically for products, services, competences and resources on a global scale and to designing, implementing and managing the resulting global operations. Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing places a strong emphasis on applied research with relevant implications for both knowledge and practice. Also, the journal aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas and opinions on research projects and issues. As such, on top of a standard section publishing scientific articles, there will be two additional sections: "The Industry ViewPoint": in this section, industrial practitioners from around the world will be invited (max 2 contributions per issue) to present their point of view on a relevant subject area. This is intended to give the journal not just an academic focus, but a practical focus as well. In this way, we intend to reflect a trend that has characterised the past few decades, where interests and initiatives in research, academia and industry have been more and more converging to the point of collaborative relationships being a common practice. "Research Updates - Executive Summaries". In this section, researchers around the world will be given the opportunity to present their research projects in the area of global sourcing and outsourcing by means of an executive summary of their project. This will increase awareness of the on-going research projects in the area and it will attract interest from industry.
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