The Vehicle Routing Problem Complex Network Analysis

Abstract

One of the main characteristics of transportation problems is not only the hard design model process; but also, in the characterization of the elements that make up the supply chain. A more detailed analysis will grant undoubtedly a greater knowledge of the system. However, the use of regular networks for the development of models can eliminate key characteristics for correct decision making. Faced with this fact, the characterization of transport models is proposed through the conceptualization of complex networks. This new proposal will allow to apply metrics and perform more detailed analysis to the distribution network; such as vulnerability analysis, fault propagation, element grouping identification, among other metrics. The objective of this research is to show a methodology to build the Vehicle Routing Problem models and analyze the distribution network using the corresponding metrics of complex networks.