Research on Site Selection for Random Demand in Dairy Cold Chain Distribution Center

Dairy products in cold chain logistics have the characteristic of being perishable and prone to spoilage. When selecting the location for distribution centers handling such perishable goods, consideration is often given to the costs of product damage and penalty. In order to minimize the overall cost of the logistics system and enhance distribution capacity, a study was conducted on the site selection problem for multiple cold chain distribution centers with multiple suppliers. A planning model was established to minimize the total logistics system cost. The K-means algorithm was used to cluster the demand points and form candidate distribution centers. A two-stage algorithm combining Tabu search and simulated annealing was employed to solve the model. Finally, the model and algorithm were validated through simulation and compared with a distribution center that has a single source of supply. The results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the model and algorithm.