Vehicle Routing Optimization for Pandemic Containment: A Systematic Review on Applications and Solution Approaches

Abstract

The global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has accounted for many deaths. The effective containment of the current COVID-19 epidemic calls for a fast and sustainable delivery strategy to minimize the impact of this crisis. As such, this study aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of research on the vehicle routing problem (VRP) from a sustainable viewpoint during the pandemic and explore viable delivery solutions that may aid in the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a systematic review of the selected articles, four broad themes of pandemic containment measures from the delivery aspect were identified: efficient pharmaceutical delivery strategy, contactless distribution, sustainable waste transportation strategy, and isolated and quarantine vehicle scheduling. Following that, the methodology utilized to execute the containment measures were analyzed, research gaps were hightlighted, and possibilities for future studies were suggested. In summary, the goal of this research is to provide an overview of the literature on the application of VRPs in pandemic control and to assist academics and practitioners in learning more about the performance metrics, models, and solution techniques utilized in pandemic control delivery operations.

A Multipopulation Multiobjective Ant Colony System Considering Travel and Prevention Costs for Vehicle Routing in COVID-19-Like Epidemics

“…The first category mainly focuses on how to control the epidemic via VRP, e.g., urgent transportation and assignment of patients and medical resources [37]- [39]. Therefore, the main challenges concerned in this category are often due to the time constraint, resources and tools shortage, and the demand (which can be dynamic and uncertain) [40]. As this paper is not in this category, the methods in this category are not detailed herein.…”

A proposed circular-SCOR model for supply chain performance measurement in manufacturing industry during COVID-19

“…Route Optimization (C 12 ): Route optimization is one of the most critical criteria in SCM (Liu, 2022). Route optimization ensures zero delays in delivery and fast planning (Lin et al ., 2022). Logistical problems with COVID-19, delivery delays and restricted access to raw materials show the need for route optimization (Nagao et al ., 2022).…”

“…Therefore, considering route optimization, which is also important in terms of the circular economy, primarily helps to get rid of the effects of COVID-19 with the most negligible impact (Hohenstein, 2022) while at the same time making a significant contribution to the circular economy (Roy et al ., 2022). Moreover, route optimization should be considered in linear SCs but also circular SCs (Lin et al ., 2022). Route optimization is extremely important for the product flow to be provided from collection and recycling centers.…”