Structural Optimization in a Multi-Channel Distributed Mass Service System

Abstract

Problem of structural optimization in a distributed service system is solved by the example of system "Production - delivery - consumption" for mass market product. In this regard, the purpose of work is to develop a method for structural optimization of "Production - delivery - mass consumption" system, by introducing and rational placement of intermediate production points based on solving clustering problems with taking into account the peculiarities of calculating distances between city objects. To achieve the goal of the work, it is necessary to solve the following tasks: clustering of city objects, using the metric of city blocks, for a given number of groups for selected location of production and grouping centers; finding the best location for a given number of clustering centers; determination of a rational number of clustering centers. Task was solved in three stages. First stage - clustering a set of consumption objects for given intermediate delivery centers locations. The second stage - finding the best locations for a given number of intermediate delivery centers. The third stage - determination of the rational number of intermediate centers. Formulated problem is solved according to two criteria: combined length of delivery routes product consumers and the probability that a random delivery time exceeds the critical value. The numerical value of the second criterion is calculated on the assumption that for each path may be estimated value of the mean and variance delivery time. The appropriate number of production centers is determined by a simple comparison of system efficiency for several realistically possible options. An example of clustering problem solving in the metric of "city blocks" on a directed graph by both criteria is given.