Optimization modeling for logistics: Options and implementations

Michael R. Bartolacci, Larry J. LeBlanc, Yasanur Kayikci, Thomas A. Grossman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

Logistics optimization has significantly grown in popularity over the last few decades. Improvements in computing power, modeling software, and the willingness of companies to invest time in the modeling effort have allowed models that were once too unwieldy to solve to optimality to be solved quickly. This has led to a more wide-spread recognition by logistics managers of the potential advantages of using optimization. The scope of logistics optimization in companies and organizations has expanded to address strategic, tactical, operational, and collaborative decision making. Spreadsheets, an analytical tool familiar to managers, have played a crucial role in the expanded modeling efforts of companies. Although optimization's role in logistics has grown tremendously, there still are areas that remain to be explored that will allow it to achieve an even larger and more successful role in the management of companies. Additionally, there are some models that are still too large or too complex to currently solve to optimality, despite the advances in computing power and modeling / solving software.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)118-127
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Business Logistics
Volume33
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Business, Management and Accounting (miscellaneous)
  • Management Science and Operations Research

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