Production and distribution scheduling optimisation in a three-stage integrated supply chain using genetic algorithm

Abstract

This paper addresses an integrated P-D scheduling model arising in a three-stage supply chain, which involves three stages: a single vehicle after processing by different suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and consumers located in separate geographic regions. The contribution of this paper is to provide an integrated P-D scheduling under fixed departure times in supply chain with consideration of transportation fleet, integration of supplier-manufacturer. The mathematical model was proposed as a mixed integer programming and solved by CPLEX software in small-scale problems to validate the model. Given the complexity of the solution and NP-hard structure of the proposed problem, genetic algorithm was used to find quality solutions by MATLAB software. Finally, the results of research show that managers of the case study can deliver orders to customer in minimum time and cost. According to the results, the proposed algorithm (GA) has a desired level of quality in solving the P-D real problems.