Work

Location Model for Distribution Centers for Fulfilling Electronic Orders of Fresh Foods under Uncertain Demand

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: The problem of locating distribution centers for delivering fresh food as a part of electronic commerce is a strategic decision problem for enterprises. This paper establishes a model for locating distribution centers that considers the uncertainty of customer demands for fresh goods in terms of time-sensitiveness and freshness. Based on the methodology of robust optimization in dealing with uncertain problems, this paper optimizes the location model in discrete demand probabilistic scenarios. In this paper, an improved fruit fly optimization algorithm is proposed to solve the distribution center location problem. An example is given to show that the proposed model and algorithm are robust and can effectively handle the complications caused by uncertain demand. The model proposed in this paper proves valuable both theoretically and practically in the selection of locations of distribution centers.

Source: Scientific Programming

DOI: 10.1155/2017/3423562

Authors: Hao Zhang, Ying Xiong, Mingke He, Chongchong Qu

Institutions: Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing Wuzi University

Language: English

Topic: Facility Location and Emergency Management

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,000

Funders: Beijing Municipal Commission of Education, Beijing Technology and Business University, National Social Science Fund of China