Omni-Channel Product Distribution Network Design by Using the Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

Abstract

Distribution network under Omni-Channel integration contains many levels. There are one or more dealers at each level which forms a many-to-many distribution network. Consumers purchase a wide variety of products and their demands are uncertain, which constitutes a complex demand network and increases the complexity of the supply chain network. This paper focuses on the integrated optimization of supply chain distribution network and demand network and constructs the joint randomization planning model of location and routing. The goal is to minimize the total costs of the supply chain network under uncertain customer demands. Based on the traditional particle swarm optimization (PSO), this study introduces the collaborative idea to reduce the coding dimension, improves the boundary processing strategy, and adopts the mutation operator to expand the search space. A case study of distribution under Omni-Channel integration in a large enterprise was done. The validity of the model and the effectiveness of the proposed method were verified by numerical experiments.

Solving the location problem of front distribution center for omni-channel retailing

“…However, the distribution network under the omnichannel mode contains multiple levels and a wide variety of products. The uncertainty of customer demand should be fully considered [56]. Logistics service quality (especially logistics service timeliness) is an important driving force of consumer satisfaction and loyalty for omni-channel consumers [31].…”

“…If the conditions meet the requirement, the calculation will be stopped. Otherwise, recalculate the second step [56].…”

Optimisation of the Two-Tier Distribution System in Omni-Channel Environment

“…The authors, however, did not suggest a final solution to the considered problem. In the research of Si et al [25], special attention was paid to the randomization of the model due to the uncertainty of the customer demand and the high number, i.e., four, of the network levels. They constructed an optimisation location routing model where the objective was to minimize the total cost of the operated network, including variable transportation and, similar to [4], the carbon treatment costs at each network level, and the fixed cost of location.…”

Visitor Journey Application Development for Omni-Channels

“…Omni-channel is the deep integration of all available physical and digital channels into one touchpoint [5] to create a seamless visitor experience across channels. The enterprises such as in retail industry offer visitors a wide range of possibilities to interact with their products.…”