An Integrated Model for Locating Inventories Based on Algorithmic Approach

Abstract

The elaboration of an efficient distribution strategy involves thesteps of determining the number of deposits and its location, thestrategy of allocating stocks of the products in each of thewarehouses and the elaboration of product distribution routesfrom the depots to the final points of sale. Due to the complexity
involved in each of these steps, these decisions have been takenhierarchically and sequential. This approach leads to suboptimalsolutions because the problem is divided into sub-problems andthe solution of one sub-problem affects the others. This workaims to propose an integrated model for the solution problems of
deposit localization and inventory allocation and proposes aheuristic algorithm based on an evolutionary approach to itssolution. The proposed model was applied to a real probleminvolving the logistical redesign of a network of pharmacies,demonstrating its technical feasibility.