Abstract

The paper addresses the optimal design of the last supply chain branch, i.e., the Distribution Network (DN), starting from manufacturers till the retailers. It considers a distributed system composed of different stages connected by material links labeled with suitable performance indices. A hierarchical procedure employing direct graph (digraph) modeling, mixed integer linear programming, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is presented to select the optimal DN configuration. More in detail, a first-level DN optimization problem taking into account the definition and evaluation of the distribution chain performance provides a set of Pareto optimal solutions defined by digraph modeling. A second level DN optimization using the AHP method selects, on the basis of further criteria, the DN configuration from the Pareto face alternatives. To show the method effectiveness, the optimization model is applied to a case study describing an Italian regional healthcare drug DN. The problem solution by the proposed design method allows improving the DN flexibility and performance.

Autore Pugliese

• Costantino Nicola , Dotoli Mariagrazia , Fanti Maria Pia

Tutti gli autori

• Costantino Nicola , Dotoli Mariagrazia , Falagario M , Fanti Maria Pia , Mangini AM , Sciancalepore F , Ukovich W

Titolo volume/Rivista

COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Anno di pubblicazione

2013

ISSN

0360-8352

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

Nessuna citazione

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Scopus

7

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

2017-04-23 03:20:56

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile