Optimisation des Réseaux de Distribution des Produits Agroalimentaires: Modélisation et Application

Abstract

A certain number of factors can affect the functioning of the distribution chains of large agrifood companies and impact their efficiency. Among them, poor adaptation to fluctuations in demand, imperfect control of production and transport costs and poor location of distribution centers. These dysfunctions can have negative consequences with high product prices, supply disruptions and customer dissatisfaction. The company is therefore required to review regularly the distribution plan for its products in order to optimize it: addition, deletion, relocation, reassignment of warehouses, delivery centers, etc. We propose, through a case study of the agro-food group Cevital (Algeria), a solution to the problem of restructuring supply and distribution networks, at a stage of development of this company. Using an operational research tool (mixed-integer linear programming), the study assesses four scenarios for structuring the company's distribution network and suggests, for decision-making purposes, strategic solutions for managers.