A meta-heuristic algorithm for the efficient distribution of perishable foods

Tarantilis, CD; Kiranoudis, CT

dc.contributor.author	Tarantilis, CD	en
dc.contributor.author	Kiranoudis, CT	en
dc.date.accessioned	2014-03-01T01:16:01Z
dc.date.available	2014-03-01T01:16:01Z
dc.date.issued	2001	en
dc.identifier.issn	0260-8774	en
dc.identifier.uri	https://dspace.lib.ntua.gr/xmlui/handle/123456789/13876
dc.subject	Distribution management	en
dc.subject	Logistics systems	en
dc.subject	Meta-heuristic algorithms	en
dc.subject.classification	Engineering, Chemical	en
dc.subject.classification	Food Science & Technology	en
dc.subject.other	Algorithms	en
dc.subject.other	Computational complexity	en
dc.subject.other	Dairy products	en
dc.subject.other	Distribution of goods	en
dc.subject.other	Heuristic methods	en
dc.subject.other	Problem solving	en
dc.subject.other	Logistics systems	en
dc.subject.other	Perishable foods	en
dc.subject.other	Food supply	en
dc.title	A meta-heuristic algorithm for the efficient distribution of perishable foods	en
heal.type	journalArticle	en
heal.identifier.primary	10.1016/S0260-8774(00)00187-4	en
heal.identifier.secondary	http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0260-8774(00)00187-4	en
heal.language	English	en
heal.publicationDate	2001	en
heal.abstract	A fast and robust algorithm for solving the fresh milk distribution problem for one of the biggest diary companies in Greece was developed. This particular problem was formulated as a Heterogeneous Fixed Fleet Vehicle Routing Problem (HFFVRP) for which, due to its high computational complexity, no exact algorithm ever has been used to solve it. In this study, a threshold-accepting based algorithm was developed aiming to satisfy the needs of the company that plans to use this methodology repeatedly to schedule their distribution many times a week. For this purpose. the proposed formulation was implemented in an efficient and reliable computer code. The algorithm manages to provide practical solutions and the early findings indicate considerable improvements in the operational performance of the company. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.	en
heal.publisher	ELSEVIER SCI LTD	en
heal.journalName	Journal of Food Engineering	en
dc.identifier.doi	10.1016/S0260-8774(00)00187-4	en
dc.identifier.isi	ISI:000171510000001	en
dc.identifier.volume	50	en
dc.identifier.issue	1	en
dc.identifier.spage	1	en
dc.identifier.epage	9	en