Abstract
Multi-echelon distribution systems and more precisely, optimization of LTL routes related to them is one of the most popular subjects in the last 5 years of vehicle routing research. Although a plethora of models, methods and visions is found, it is still difficult to compare them because they use different terminologies and some authors insist on the fact there are a multitude of close but different problems. This paper presents the main concepts of multi-echelon distribution with cross-docks and the notation standards for cost optimization in this field on an attempt of unification, in order to provide a guide to researchers and practitioners. A literature review is first presented, in order to list the main problems and methods that are found in the literature. Then, by a hybrid systematic analysis method combining a lexical and a meta-narrative analysis, the main concepts and standards of multi-echelon based vehicle routing optimization problems are presented. A theoretical model as well as a classification of solving methods, both exact and heuristic, is presented. Finally, research paths are proposed to support both scientists and outbound logistics practitioners.
Highlights
Vehicle routing optimization is one of the most popular subjects in operations research and transport sciences that have more than 50 years of existence (Laporte, 2009)
This paper presents the main concepts of multi-echelon distribution with cross-docks and the notation standards for cost optimization in this field on an attempt of unification, in order to provide a guide to researchers and practitioners
We find several works in research dealing to system cost optimization in N-echelon systems, and the problem was little studied in the decade 1980-1990, in the last five years we observe a renewal of this field, with tens of papers published since 2010 (Gonzalez-Feliu, 2011) and the growing trend has increased in the last two years
Summary
Vehicle routing optimization is one of the most popular subjects in operations research and transport sciences that have more than 50 years of existence (Laporte, 2009). Due to logistics constraints and costs (Note 1), multi-echelon distribution systems have started to become popular (Gonzalez-Feliu, 2012a). A wide variety of fields have developed multi-echelon transportation approaches. The most representative examples are seen in press distribution (Gonzalez-Feliu & Morana, 2011), parcel and postal distribution (Gracin & Stipetić, 2009) or intermodal transport (Lowe, 2005). Such systems are found in the automotive industry, more precisely in spare parts supply distribution (Kargari et al, 2012) and in urban freight distribution (Crainic, 2008). Grocery distribution presents heterogeneous group chains which are based on distribution systems presenting several echelons, mainly after the development of new services for the end-consumer supply, like e-commerce and proximity deliveries (Gonzalez-Feliu et al, 2012)
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