Examining the Last Mile Delivery Problem in an E-Commerce Company under Different Scenarios

Öz

Despite the living conditions brought by the COVID-19 epidemic and its many adverse effects on world trade, it has led to a rapid development in e-commerce. Based on demand, more studies and investments have begun to be made in logistics, which is an indispensable element of the increasing e-commerce volume. With the studies on last-mile delivery, which is claimed to constitute the most significant part of logistics costs, it has been observed that various logistics models have emerged to keep costs under control while responding to high demand with limited resources. This study examined various logistics models under three different scenarios to determine the most appropriate last-mile delivery strategy for a company operating e-commerce in the furniture industry. A hierarchical optimization model based on the p-median problem, cluster analysis, and local search-supported Clarke and Wright savings algorithm is proposed to analyze the scenarios. The results obtained from the three determined scenarios were compared with the company's current situation, and the most suitable option that would minimize the last step's delivery cost was presented to the management.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Last Mile Delivery
• Clustering Analysis
• Clarke and Wright Savings Algorithm
• Local Search

Bir E-Ticaret Firmasındaki Son Adım Teslimat Probleminin Farklı Senaryolar Altında İncelenmesi

Öz

COVID-19 salgınının getirdiği yaşam koşulları ile birlikte dünya ticaretine birçok olumsuz etkisine rağmen e-ticarette hızlı bir gelişmeye yol açmıştır. Talebe istinaden artan e-ticaret hacminin vazgeçilmez unsuru olan lojistik kısmı üzerine daha fazla çalışmalar ve yatırımlar yapılmaya başlanmıştır. Lojistik maliyetlerinin en büyük kısmını oluşturduğu iddia edilen son adım teslimatı üzerine yapılan çalışmalarla birlikte kısıtlı kaynaklarla yüksek miktardaki talebe cevap verirken maliyetlerin de kontrol altında tutulabilmesi için çeşitli lojistik modelleri ortaya çıktığı görülmüştür. Bu çalışmada, mobilya sektöründe e-ticaret faaliyeti yürüten bir firmanın en uygun son adım teslimatı stratejisini belirleyebilmek için çeşitli lojistik modelleri üç farklı senaryo altında incelenmiştir. Senaryoları çözümleyebilmek için p-medyan problemi, kümeleme analizi ve yerel arama destekli Clarke ve Wright tasarruf algoritmasına dayanan hiyerarşik bir optimizasyon modeli önerilmiştir. Belirlenen üç senaryodan elde edilen sonuçlar firmanın mevcut durumu ile karşılaştırılıp son adım teslimatı maliyetini minimize edecek olan en uygun seçenek yönetime sunulmuştur.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Son Adım Teslimat
• Kümeleme Analizi
• Clarke ve Wright Tasarruf Algoritması
• Yerel Arama

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