Optimising subordinate net points layout of express enterprise with SCE-UA algorithm

The layout of net points plays a key role in the operation of an enterprise. Research on the layout of net points and optimisation of express enterprises has important practical significance. In this paper an optimisation model is developed, which takes minimising the total cost of the subordinate net points layout of express enterprises as the objective function on the premise of guaranteed express delivery time. The aim of the optimisation model is to reduce the cost of enterprises; it also takes customer satisfaction into consideration. The shuffled complex evolution method developed at the University of Arizona (SCE-UA) algorithm is applied to solve the optimisation problem. Finally, to test the accuracy of the proposed optimisation model, the current subordinate net points layout of ZTO Express in Dalian city is used as the case study. The result shows that the proposed model provides a good performance in term of obtaining the optimal form of quantity and spatial layout of subordinate net points. The result also indicates that the proposed model can provide practical methods and ideas for express enterprises in terms of planning and distributing subordinate net points in the future.