Hybridization of Particle Swarm Optimization and Ant Colony Optimization Technique to Solve the Distribution Planning Problem of the Cross-docking Network

Cross-docking is a logistic technique in which distribution centers are the transfer points to coordinate the continuous physical flow through supply chain with no storage. The harmonization of this system in a network of cross-docks with customers and suppliers requires a effective planning. This paper addresses the distribution planning problem of cross-docking network considering the transportation cost and the operation cost that are incurred in the consolidation process at the cross-docking center. Hybridization of Ant Colony Optimization and Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization technique is proposed to solve the problem. Experimental results demonstrate the potency of the proposed algorithm achieving remarkable results .