A solver for the multi-objective transshipment problem with facility location

This paper describes the results of research, development and implementation of the Dynamic Interactive Network Analysis System (DINAS) which enables the solution of various multi-objective transshipment problems with facility location. DINAS utilizes an extension of the classical reference-point approach to handling multiple objectives. In this approach, the decision-maker (DM) forms requirements in terms of aspiration and reservation levels, i.e., acceptable and required values for given objectives are specified. For providing DINAS with solutions to single-objective problems, a special TRANSLOC solver was developed. It is based on the branch-and-bound scheme with a pioneering implementation of the simplex special ordered network (SON) algorithm with implicit representation of the VUB and SUB (variable and simple upper bound, respectively) constraints. A pilot version of the system is implemented on an IBM PC/XT microcomputer. DINAS is prepared as a menu-driven and easy-to-use system armed with a special network editor.