Presenting a Multi-Objective Mathematical Model for Optimizing Cross-Docking Warehouse Management in the Supply Chain Using a Metaheuristic Algorithm
Keywords:
Cross-docking, Supply chain, Mathematical modeling, Mobarakeh Steel CompanyAbstract
One of the modern strategies in inventory management throughout the supply chain is the cross-docking warehousing approach. The objective of this study is to optimize the supply chain in a cross-docking warehouse within the steel industry. For this purpose, the design and development of a mathematical model for optimizing product transportation in the cross-docking supply chain of Mobarakeh Steel Company is presented. The developed model is a multi-objective and multi-period model capable of examining conflicting objectives across different periods. In addition, it considers environmental requirements arising from carbon emissions in decision-making related to the distribution of incoming and outgoing goods in the cross-docking warehouse. According to the proposed model, optimization techniques were employed to identify the best optimal allocation of resources. To solve the proposed model, the simulated annealing metaheuristic method was utilized. Based on the obtained results, it was demonstrated that implementing the designed model and using cross-docking warehouses as key points in the supply chain contribute to improving material flow and reducing product delivery time. Furthermore, the non-dominated points obtained from the simulated annealing method for the considered multi-objective problem were examined under 10%, 20%, and 30% increases in the quantity of goods entering and leaving the docks. Considering the generated Pareto frontier, the convergence of responses for each change was evident. The solutions obtained under a 10% increase generated 15 non-dominated solutions for the problem. Under a 20% increase, 19 non-dominated solutions were generated. Under a 30% increase, 86 non-dominated solutions were generated. Moreover, the quality of the solutions provided under the 30% demand increase scenario was found to be more appropriate than in the other two scenarios. Finally, this research can serve as a practical tool for managers and decision-makers in Mobarakeh Steel Company and, while contributing to the optimization of transportation and supply chain processes, can lead to the development of more advanced and efficient models in other similar industries.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammad Reza Agha Jafar Mahalati (Author); Mohammad Hossein Darvish Motevalli (Corresponding author); Seyed Mostafa Mousavi, Majid Moatamedi (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
