Reduction from the partition problem: Dynamic lot sizing problem with polynomial complexity

In this note, we reduce an instance of the partition problem to a dynamic lot sizing problem in polynomial time, and show that solving the latter problem solves the former problem. We further show that the instance of the partition problem can be solved using polynomial number of addition, multiplication and sort operations in input … Read more

Neural Embedded Mixed-Integer Optimization for Location-Routing Problems

We present a novel framework that combines machine learning with mixed-integer optimization to solve the Capacitated Location-Routing Problem (CLRP). The CLRP is a classical yet NP-hard problem that integrates strategic facility location with operational vehicle routing decisions, aiming to simultaneously minimize both fixed and variable costs. The proposed method first trains a permutationally invariant neural … Read more

Multistage Stochastic Facility Location under Facility Disruption Uncertainty

We consider a multistage variant of the classical stochastic capacitated facility location problem under facility disruption uncertainty. Two solution algorithms for this problem class are presented: (1) stochastic dual dynamic integer programming (SDDiP), the state-of-the-art algorithm for solving multistage stochastic integer programs, and (2) shadow price approximation (SPA), an algorithm utilizing trained parameters of the … Read more

Solving the three-dimensional open-dimension rectangular packing problem: a constraint programming model

In this paper, we address the three-dimensional open-dimension rectangular packing problem (3D-ODRPP). This problem addresses a set of rectangular boxes of given dimensions and a rectangular container of open dimensions. The objective is to pack all boxes orthogonally into the container while minimizing the container volume. Real-world applications of the 3D-ODRPP arise in production systems … Read more

Store Fulfillment with Autonomous Mobile Robots and In-Store Customers

Omnichannel services, such as buy-online-pickup-in-store, curbside pickup, and ship-from-store, have shifted the order-picking tasks previously completed by in-store customers doing their own shopping to the retailer’s responsibility. To fulfill these orders, many retailers have deployed a store fulfillment strategy, where online orders are picked from brick-and-mortar retail store shelves. We focus on the design of … Read more

Tactical workforce sizing and scheduling decisions for last-mile delivery

We tackle the problems of workforce sizing and shift scheduling of a logistic operator delivering parcels in the last-mile segment of the supply chain. Our working hypothesis is that the relevant decisions are affected by two main trade-offs: workforce size and shift stability. A large workforce is able to deal with demand fluctuations but incurs … Read more

Integrating Public Transport in Sustainable Last-Mile Delivery: Column Generation Approaches

We tackle the problem of coordinating a three-echelon last-mile delivery system. In the first echelon, trucks transport parcels from distribution centres outside the city to public transport stops. In the second echelon, the parcels move on public transport and reach the city centre. In the third echelon, zero-emission vehicles pick up the parcels at public … Read more

Submodular Dispatching with Multiple Vehicles

Motivated by applications in e-commerce logistics and production planning where orders (or items, or jobs) arrive at different times and must be dispatched or processed in batches, we consider a multi-vehicle dispatching problem that captures the tension between waiting for orders to arrive and the economies of scale due to batching. Our model extends the … Read more

A variable neighborhood search for the green vehicle routing problem with two-dimensional loading constraints and split delivery

We address the Green Vehicle Routing Problem with Two-Dimensional Loading Constraints and Split Delivery (G2L-SDVRP), which extends the split delivery vehicle routing problem to include customer demands represented by two-dimensional, rectangular items. We aim to minimize carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)) emissions instead of travel distance, a critical issue in contemporary logistics activities. The CO\(_2\) emission rate … Read more