We consider the problem of distributing goods from one or more plants through a set of warehouses in anticipation of forecasted customer demands. Two results are provided in this paper. First, we present a methodology for approximating stochastic distribution problems that are computationally tractable for problems of realistic size. Comparisons are made to standard deterministic formulations a...

The supply chain network consists of suppliers, warehouses, distribution centers, and retail outlets which provide the flow of material and products. Determining the location of the facilities and warehouses, determining the appropriate number of warehouses, determining which products will be received by which customers and determining the size of each warehouse are strategic decisions. Due the...

We solve the uncapacitated warehouse location problem with a simple genetic algorithm and find a significant influence of the numbering of warehouses on the performance of the genetic algorithm. The effect is explained by linking a decomposition result for the problem to genetic algorithm theory, and its relevance is underlined by means of an empirical study based on over 600 widely used benchm...

Designing the physical distribution network in a supply chain is an important strategic planning problem with undeniable implications towards tactical and operational planning success. In this paper we consider a distribution network made up of four tiers, involving factories, central warehouses, regional warehouses as well as customer zones. The objective is to select the optimal numbers and l...

In this paper, we study the distribution network design problem integrating transportation and infinite horizon multiechelon inventory cost function. We consider the trade-off between inventory cost, direct shipment cost, and facility location cost in such a system. The problem is to determine how many warehouses to set up, where to locate them, how to serve the retailers using these warehouses...

Distribution network design as a strategic decision has long-term effect on tactical and operational supply chain management. In this research, a supply chain design problem based on a two level capacity location allocation problem (TLCLAP) is presented. A product must be transported from a set of seaport to meet stores demands, passing out by intermediate warehouses. The objective is to locate...

The research problem undertaken by the authors of this article concerns optimization size distribution network (the number warehouses). developed regression models, which are an alternative to classical “Square Root law” formula. models were built for two distributions demand most commonly used in literature: Gaussian and Gamma distribution. They allow calculation level inventory with a given w...