The paper presents an optimization model and its implementation using a hybrid approach for the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with Pick-up and Alternative Delivery (CVRPPAD). The development of the CVRPPAD was motivated by postal items distribution issues. The model proposed combines various features of Vehicle Routing Problem variants. The novelty of this model lies in the introduction of alternativeness of item delivery points, differentiation of delivery point types in terms of their capacity (parcel lockers) and possibility of collecting the items during the execution of delivery routes. The model also takes into account a possibility of introducing time windows related to delivery time. The proposed data structure in the form of sets of facts facilitates the implementation of the model in all environments, Constraint Logic Programming (CLP), Mathematical Programming (MP), metaheuristics, databases, etc. The model is implemented in the MP, hybrid CLP/MP, and hybrid CLP/heuristic environments. The hybrid CLP/MP approach is the authors’ original solution, which has already been used to solve Supply Chain Management problems, scheduling problems, routing problems etc. For large size problems, considering their combinatorial character, the proposed CLP/MP approach is ineffective. Its effectiveness will improve when MP is replaced by a heuristic. All implementations were performed on the same data instances (facts), which made it possible to compare them according to the solution search time, number of decision variables and number of constraints. The directions into which the model can be further developed were also presented.

This paper describes the hybrid framework for the modelling and optimisation of decision problems in sustainable supply chain management. The constraint-based environments used so far to model and solve the decision-making problems have turned out to be ineffective in cases where a number of interbound variables are added up in multiple constraints. The hybrid approach proposed here combines the strengths of mathematical programming and constraint programming. This approach allows a significant reduction in the search time necessary to find the optimal solution, and facilitates solving larger problems. Two software packages, LINGO and ECLⁱPS^e, were employed to solve optimisation problems. The hybrid method appears to be not only as good as either of its components used independently, but in most cases it is much more effective. Its advantages are illustrated with simplified models of cost optimisation, for which optimal solutions are found ten times faster. The application of the proposed framework has contributed to more than 20 fivefold reduction in the size of the combinatorial problem.

This paper proposes a hybrid programming framework for modeling and solving of constraint satisfaction problems (CSPs) and constraint optimization problems (COPs). Two paradigms, CLP (constraint logic programming) and MP (mathematical programming), are integrated in the framework. The integration is supplemented with the original method of problem transformation, used in the framework as a presolving method. The transformation substantially reduces the feasible solution space. The framework automatically generates CSP and COP models based on current values of data instances, questions asked by a user, and set of predicates and facts of the problem being modeled, which altogether constitute a knowledge database for the given problem. This dynamic generation of dedicated models, based on the knowledge base, together with the parameters changing externally, for example, the user’s questions, is the implementation of the autonomous search concept. The models are solved using the internal or external solvers integrated with the framework. The architecture of the framework as well as its implementation outline is also included in the paper. The effectiveness of the framework regarding the modeling and solution search is assessed through the illustrative examples relating to scheduling problems with additional constrained resources.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is the need to build a novel approach that would allow flexible modeling and solving of food supply chain management (FSCM) problems. The models developed would use the data (data-driven modeling) as early as possible at the modeling phase, which would lead to a better and more realistic representation of the problems being modeled.Design/methodology/approach: An essential feature of the presented approach is its declarativeness. The use of a declarative approach that additionally includes constraint satisfaction problems and provides an opportunity of fast and easy modeling of constrains different in type and character. Implementation of the proposed approach was performed with the use of an original hybrid method in which constraint logic programming (CLP) and mathematical programming (MP) are integrated and transformation of a model is used as a presolving technique.Findings: The proposed constraint-driven approach has proved to be extremely flexible and efficient. The findings obtained during part of experiments dedicated to efficiency were very interesting. The use of the constraint-driven approach has enabled finding a solution depending on the instance data up to 1,000 times faster than using the MP.Research limitations/implications: Due to the limited use of exact methods for NP-hard problems, the future study should be to integrate the CLP with environments other than the MP. It is also possible, e.g., with metaheuristics like genetic algorithms, ant colony optimization, etc.Practical implications: There is a possibility of using the approach as a basis to build a decision support system for FSCM, simple integration with databases, enterprise resource planning systems, management information systems, etc.Originality/value: The new constraint-driven approach to FSCM has been proposed. The proposed approach is an extension of the hybrid approach. Also, a new decision-making model of distribution and logistics for the food supply chain is built. A presolving technique for this model has been presented.

Constraints, although ubiquitous in production and distribution planning, scheduling and control, often lead to inconsistencies in the decision-making process. The constraint-based modeling helps circumvent many organization-impacting issues. To address this, we developed a multi-level approach to the modeling and solving of combinatorial optimization problems. It is versatile and effective owing to the use of multi-level presolving and multiple paradigms, such as constraint programming, logic programming, mathematical programming and fuzzy logic, for their complementary strengths. The capability of this framework and its advantage over mathematical programming alone or over hybrid frameworks is shown in the illustrative example, in which combinatorial optimization is used as a benchmark to prove the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Knowledge of the problem is stored in the form of facts.