A system dynamics model for routing and scheduling of cross-dock and transportation in reverse logistics network of perishable goods

Abstract

Cross-dock is defined as the practice of unloading goods from incoming vehicles and loading them directly into outbound vehicles. Cross-docking can simplify supply chains and help them to deliver goods to the market more swiftly and efficiently by removing or minimizing warehousing costs, space requirements, and use of inventory. Regarding the lifetime of perishable goods, their routing and scheduling in the cross-dock and transportation are of great importance. This study aims to analyze the scheduling and routing of cross-dock and transportation by System Dynamics (SD) modeling to design a reverse logistics network for the perishable goods. For this purpose, the relations between the selected variables are first specified, followed by assessing and examining the proposed model. Finally, four scenarios are developed to determine the optimal values of decision variables. The results indicate the most influencing factors on reaching the optimal status is the minimum distance between the cross-dock and destination, rather than increasing the number of manufactories.