Model and Algorithm for a Time-Constrained Regions-Integrated Distribution Problem

Besides minimizing the delivery cost, the design of distribution system should also satisfied the time limit of the supply for resellers in e-business environment, in which traditional region-based distribution model can no longer meet the requirements of logistics distribution. Rather, a new distribution strategy of regions-integrated with replenishments along the distribution routine can solve the above-mentioned contradiction effectively. This paper firstly stated the assumptions of the strategy, and then built the model for regions-integrated distribution system. According to the model´s specific configuration, a heuristic algorithm was developed for gradual optimization, by which a time-constrained distribution routing can be established via methods of inserting routing parts in descending order of their saving values. A numerical example was given to demonstrate the arithmetic operation at the end of this paper