We present a model for the optimization of logistics operations in emergency health care systems; in particular, we study the problem of efficient distribution of vaccines or drugs through the simultaneous and coordinated use of distribution centers and vehicles. We devise an exact algorithm based on column generation with three different types of columns and branch-and-bound. The pricing subproblems are solved through advanced dynamic programming techniques. In order to strengthen the dual bounds, we adapt two families of cuts from the literature and we introduce a new one. Our framework also includes primal heuristics and ad-hoc branching rules. An experimental campaign on realistic data proves our method to be effective and flexible.

Combined location and routing problems for drug distribution / A. Ceselli, G. Righini, E. Tresoldi. - In: DISCRETE APPLIED MATHEMATICS. - ISSN 0166-218X. - 165(2014 Mar), pp. 130-145. [10.1016/j.dam.2013.07.016]

Combined location and routing problems for drug distribution

A. Ceselli
Primo
;
G. Righini
Secondo
;
E. Tresoldi
Ultimo
2014

Abstract

We present a model for the optimization of logistics operations in emergency health care systems; in particular, we study the problem of efficient distribution of vaccines or drugs through the simultaneous and coordinated use of distribution centers and vehicles. We devise an exact algorithm based on column generation with three different types of columns and branch-and-bound. The pricing subproblems are solved through advanced dynamic programming techniques. In order to strengthen the dual bounds, we adapt two families of cuts from the literature and we introduce a new one. Our framework also includes primal heuristics and ad-hoc branching rules. An experimental campaign on realistic data proves our method to be effective and flexible.
Branch-and-price; Column generation; Location-routing
Settore INF/01 - Informatica
Settore MAT/09 - Ricerca Operativa
mar-2014
Article (author)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/231196
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