Using cross-docking operations in a reverse logistics network design: a new approach

摘要

Increasing development of competitive market has forced organizations to make great efforts in supplying, production and distribution of goods in their company so that they are capable of responding the customers different needs at the minimum delivery time and lowest cost. Cross-docking is a practical strategy in distribution cycle which has significantly attracted the attention of experts and industrialists in different areas. In this paper, the problem of designing a multi-echelon reverse logistics network with applying cross-docking centers is presented - as the first attempt to propose the new approach of using cross-docking centers in reverse logistics network. In this regard, a mixed-integer linear programming is utilized to model the problem for the goals of increasing shipment rate, decreasing fixed, variable costs and better management of returned products. Finally, the validation and sensitivity analysis are done by using the GAMS software. Considered the above requirements, the model facilitates objective-oriented reverse logistic performance.