Title: Modelling and intelligent solving of foodstuff distribution VRP based on disruption management

Authors: Degang Xu; Renbin Xiao

Addresses: Institute of Systems Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; School of Information Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China. ' Institute of Systems Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China

Abstract: VRP problem is one of the key issues which affects the foodstuff distribution cost. Based on the features of foodstuff distribution and requirement of customer satisfaction, we construct a basic model that can be easily extended. In order to achieve the minimum cost of all kinds of disruptions, we add restrictions of cost and time, etc., introduce virtual task point and build a foodstuff distribution VRP model based on the disruption management. For the requirement of the complexity, timeliness of the model solution, we develop an improved Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm adopting the Guided Local Search algorithm, and give the basic steps for solving the model. The research results of the case study show that, in dealing with disruptive VRP events, the model can effectively avoid the global adjustment of the foodstuff distribution VRP program.

Keywords: foodstuff distribution; vehicle routing problem; disruption management; PSO algorithm; food distribution; modelling; customer satisfaction; particle swarm optimisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2012.048676

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2012 Vol.44 No.2, pp.80 - 87

Published online: 23 Aug 2012 *

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