Supply chain network problem in transportation channels using genetic algorithm

Abstract

A supply chain is a set of facilities, supplies, customers, products and methods of controlling inventory, purchasing, and distribution. Each manufacturer or distributor has some subset of the supply chain that it must manage and run profitably and efficiently to survive and grow. Soit is important that goods produced and delivered at the right quantities and at the right time while minimizing costs as well as satisfying customer requirements. According to reasons, optimization of supply chain network involves decisions over several aspects. This paper addresses a problem of designing a multi-echelon supply chain with the single sourcing type and the related inventory systems. In the first echelon the manufacturers transport the product to distribution centers. In the second echelon the distribution centers transport the product to the customers. In this work, the optimal solution of a supply chain networking is obtained by using the non-traditional technique such as genetic algorithm which was performed to solve the problem. Designing the entire supply chain network becomes a key factor for the successful business.