A Hybrid Approach for Cross-Docking Scheduling

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cross-docking is an innovative logistical strategy, which means discharging the cargos from in-bound trucks into the warehouse directly and saved automatically. This article investigates the scheduling of a distribution system consisting of suppliers, cross-docks and the ultimate destinations. The aim of analyzing this problem is presenting a scheduling model so that lateness, earliness and holding costs will be minimized. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Restrictions are applied on the number of arrival and exit doors, departure time, release time, earliness, lateness, and the required space for discharging. Since the offered model is NP-Hard and highly complicated, the hybrid form of firefly and genetic algorithms is applied to solve the model. Results: Tuning the parameters performed and several numerical examples shows the appliance of this model. Comparisons via ANOVA and interval plot show that hybrid form can act better than GA and FF in large sizes. Conclusion/Application: The innovation of this article is thanks to its model type and solution method.