Quantitative modeling in practice: applying optimization techniques to a Brazilian consumer packaged goods (CPG) company distribution network design (technical note)

Abstract

This article aims presenting an example of quantitative modeling and optimization techniques application to the design of the distribution network of a consumer packaged goods company in São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Paraná states, Brazil. First, it is made a brief review of quantitative modeling techniques as they are applied in the modeling and optimization of network problems. In the second section it is depicted the company's distribution problem, which had been developed as part of a consulting project developed by EAESP/FGV's Empresa Júnior. The model is then optimized through a series of software so the methodologies and results can be compared. The article finishes with the results that the company got from the model deployment, presenting a clear case of optimization techniques in a real world application, showing the viability of easily using such techniques in a broad range of distribution and logistics problems.DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n2p74-93URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n2p74-93