A hybrid genetic algorithm for production and distribution

This paper develops a hybrid genetic algorithm for production and distribution problems in multi-factory supply chain models. Supply chain problems usually may involve multi-criterion decision-making, for example operating cost, service level, resources utilization, etc. These criteria are numerous and interrelated. To organize them, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) will be utilized. It provides a systematic approach for decision makers to assign weightings and relate them. Meanwhile, genetic algorithms (GAs) will be utilized to determine jobs allocation into suitable production plants. Genetic operators adopted to improve the genetic search algorithm will be introduced and discussed. Finally, a hypothetical production-distribution problem will be solved by the proposed algorithm. The optimization results show that it is reliable and robust. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.