A self-adaptive estimation of distribution algorithm with differential evolution strategy for supermarket location problem

In modern production systems, an ever-rising product variety has imposed great challenges for in-plant part supply systems used to feed mixed-model assembly lines with required parts. In recent years, many automotive manufacturers have identified the supermarket concept as an efficient part feeding strategy to enable JIT (Just-in-time) deliveries at low costs. This paper studies a discrete supermarket location problem which considers the utilization rate and capacity constraint of the supermarkets simultaneously. Firstly, a mathematical model is developed with the objective of minimizing the total system cost consisting of operating cost and transportation cost. Then, a self-adaptive estimation of distribution algorithm with differential evolution strategy, named DE/AEDA, is proposed to solve the problem. Finally, computational experiments are carried out to analyze the performance of the proposed algorithm compared with the benchmark algorithm by using a non-parametric test method. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm is valid and efficient.