A multi-objective simulation-based optimization approach for inventory replenishment problem with premium freights in convergent supply chains

In this study, a multi-objective simulation-based optimization approach is developed to solve inventory replenishment problem with premium freights in convergent supply chains. In this context, a decomposition-based multi-objective differential evolution algorithm (MODE/D) is used to determine demand forecast adjustment factor, safety stock and supplier flexibility parameters that minimize total holding cost, inbound and outbound premium freight ratios simultaneously. The proposed approach is applied a set of problem instances and the performance of the proposed approach is evaluated in comparison with the performance of non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II). Furthermore, the proposed approach is applied to a multi-national automotive supply chain spread on Europe. The results reveal that the proposed approach is effective in solving inventory replenishment problem with premium freights in convergent supply chains.