Notation and classification for logistic network design models

LIMOS CNRS UMR 6158 – Antenne IUT d’Allier, Avenue Aristide Briand, 03100 Montluçon, France.
fabrice.gayraud@moniut.univ-bpclermont.fr

Received: 9 September 2014
Accepted: 11 September 2014

Abstract

This paper presents a notation and a classification system for the design models of logistic network. Our notation consists of three fields (analogous to Graham’s α | β | γ notation for scheduling problems). The proposed notation is applied for several articles from the literature. We focus on multi-period models with deterministic and stochastic demands. The proposed notation is based on three criteria corresponding to the main characteristics of the logistic networks: the structure (field α), the management rules (field β) and the performance criteria (field γ). A description of solution methods, datasets and results is also provided. Most articles deal with deterministic, multi-level models and only few of them include the international aspect of logistics, lead-times or subcontracting. Datasets used to test the methods are randomly generated by the authors and have different sizes. The heuristic methods are most commonly used.