Designing a Multi-Objective Mathematical Model to Locate Four-Echelon Supply Chain Using Meta-Heuristic Algorithms

The purpose of this paper is to design a multi-objective mathematical model in order to optimize the four-echelon supply chain of perishable goods using a hybrid algorithm with regard to procurement time, cost and customer satisfaction. Perishable four-echelon food supply chains are considered as different supply chains due to continuous and significant changes in the quality of food products throughout the chain until the end of consumption. In this research, a mathematical model for the location-routing facility in a four-echelon supply chain for perishable products with a simultaneous optimization approach of total supply chain costs, order delivery time, emissions and customer satisfaction is presented. To assess the validity of the research, the mathematical model in Behshahr food industry has been studied and the research problem is presented in the form of a multi-objective nonlinear programming model of mixed integer and to solve it, a hybrid of two refrigeration and red deer algorithms has been used. The results of the proposed algorithm are solved in a case study and the results of the algorithm performance are reviewed based on standard indicators and finally the computational results indicate the efficiency of the algorithm for a wide range of problems of different sizes.