Two-stage optimization scheme of routing scheduling from a single distribution center to multiple customers

This paper proposes a solution scheme for the problem of scheduling deliveries from distribution centers. The solution scheme is developed in two phases. The first phase corresponds to the collection and processing of data, and the second phase includes the design of a customer assignment model based on the data of the first phase. The first phase provides the characteristics of the customers, the number of orders to be dispatched, and the number of visited customers. In the second phase, optimization techniques are used, considering scheduling and assignment problem-solving methodologies. The optimization model provides the correct assignment of customer orders to vehicles, reducing the number of trips and the fleet's size and occupation percentage. The proposed solution scheme is developed with a company operating a distribution center responsible for dispatching vehicles to all retail customers, wholesalers, and distributors in the Province of Concepción, Province of Arauco, and Province of Itata in Chile. The obtained results are prominent and show that the proposed methodology can be extended to companies performing storage, transportation, and distribution tasks with similar characteristics. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12351-023-00747-z.