Study On The Vehicle Routing Problem Of Cigarette Distribution Based On The Particle Swarm Optimization

As one aspect of logistics, distribution is connected with the consumer directly. The efficiency and effectiveness of distribution are important factors determining the level of services and operating costs of the enterprise. As a core issue in the process of distribution, the vehicle routing problem (VRP) is the hot topic which many scholars research on. This problem is well-known Nondeterministic Polynomial (NP) problem in the field of combinatorial optimization. There are some limitations to solve the VRP by accurate algorithm, so the solution to VRP is heuristic algorithm presently. In this paper, the vehicle routing optimization of cigarette distribution of the city based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is researched. The main work and innovation are as follows:(1) The specific characteristics of VRP and general mathematical model of VRP are analyzed deeply. At the same time, VRP is classified according to characteristics of different distribution mission.(2) The basic theory of PSO is expounded in detail and many mature algorithms developed until now are researched. After comparing PSO with GA, the optimization performance of PSO is verified by seven commonly used standard test function. The result shows that PSO has a very good ability on global optimization in multi-dimensional optimization problem.(3) For the city with a single distribution center, a single vehicle type, delivery points, complex distribution routes, under the premise of reasonable assumptions an all-purpose mathematical model based on phone-sale cycle is build.(4) The main factors impacting optimization capability of PSO are explored and the implementation of distribution of cigarettes by PSO is build. Combined with the needs of actual distribution in this region, VRP in the cigarette distribution based on PSO is calculated in Matlab 7.1. The result shows that PSO can solve the vehicle routing optimization problem of cigarette distribution quickly and efficiently.Cigarette distribution is characterized by small quantity, many batches and dispersing delivery points. Design of vehicle routing is more complicated, which make higher demands on distribution. Optimizing the vehicle routing by PSO not only can complete the allocation of vehicles quickly and efficiently, but also have a larger theoretical and practical significance to reduce distribution costs, improve service quality, and increase the competitiveness of enterprises.