Solving Transportation Problem with Z-information

In this paper we consider a transportation problem using Z-information where the transportations costs, demands, supplies and number of units are represented as Z-numbers. The Z-number theory is applied to model real-world imperfectness and gives us an opportunity to consider a reliability of information, especially, in areas of economics, forecasting and decision making. We developed North-West and Least Cost methods for finding Z-valued feasible solution. A Z-number is an ordered pair of fuzzy numbers and we cannot apply traditional methods for determination of optimal solution for transportation problem. We determine the optimal solution without converting Z-valued transportation problem to classical one. Prof. L.Zadeh suggested operations for computation with Z-numbers, using the extension principle. And the method used in this work is based on direct computation with Z-numbers. The analysis of the performed calculations showed certain non-standard problems in determining the optimal value of the solution to the transport problem. To illustrate the proposed method, an example related to iron ore mining company is provided.