Vehicle routing problem based on object-oriented discrete event simulation

A new solution to vehicle routing problem (VRP) is proposed in order to overcome the disadvantages that the exact algorithms and heuristics algorithms are difficult to solve vehicle routing problem with multiple constraints. A simulation model of vehicle routing problem is built by combining the object-oriented technology and discrete event simulation technology. In this model, the events of distribution process and resources are described by the object-oriented approach. A variety of constraints which VRP problem involves can be processed in the simulation. As a result, the model has truly simulated complicated vehicle distribution process and simulation results can provide a basis for various optimization algorithms. The experimental results have validated the feasibility and effectiveness of this new method. As the simulation results can document the whole distribution process in detail, this method will have some significance to the practical application of vehicle routing problem.