Location-routing is a branch of locational analysis that takes into account distribution aspects. This paper proposes a taxonomy, with two levels, for location-routing problems. The first level focuses on the structural characteristics of the problems. The second level branches into the different algorithmic approaches and objective perspectives. An introduction to the previously defined problems is presented, categorising the papers in the literature (a total of 149 references) according to the proposed classification. Moreover, an overview of the most significant aspects of the different solution methods and main objectives, with special emphasis on multi-objective approaches, is provided. Some data providing a better insight into the publication progress are also included. Finally, several promising research directions are identified.

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Abstract:Recent years have shown an increasing use of lean manufacturing (LM) principles and tools in several industrial sectors. Already a wellestablished management philosophy, it has shown numerous successful applications even outside production environments. This work presents the application of some LM tools, and the corresponding shift in philosophy, in two Portuguese companies of the food and beverage industries. Main implementation issues are presented and discussed; followed by the results obtained from the application of LM tools in the production system of these companies. Significant gains are obtained in both companies and, more importantly, it instills a continuous improvement culture and increases production flexibility while reducing lead times.