Continuous Genetic Algorithms as Intelligent Assistance for Resource Distribution in Logistic Systems

• Main Authors: Łukasz Wieczorek, Przemysław Ignaciuk
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-12-01
• Series: Data
• Subjects: supply chain; inventory control; optimization; artificial intelligence; evolutionary algorithms; uncertain demand
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5729/3/4/68

This paper addresses the problem of resource distribution control in logistic systems influenced by uncertain demand. The considered class of logistic topologies comprises two types of actors—controlled nodes and external sources—interconnected without any structural restrictions. In this paper, the application of continuous-domain genetic algorithms (GAs) is proposed in order to support the optimization process of resource reflow in the network channels. GAs allow one to perform simulation-based optimization and provide desirable operating conditions in the face of a priori unknown, time-varying demand. The effectiveness of inventory management process governed under an order-up-to policy involves two different objectives—holding costs and service level. Using the network analytical model with the inventory management policy implemented in a centralized way, GAs search a space of candidate solutions to find optimal policy parameters for a given topology. Numerical experiments confirm the analytical assumptions.