Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
There are Optimization Problems that are too complex to be solved efficiently by deterministic methods. For these problems, where deterministic methods have proven to be inefficient, if not completely unusable, it is common to use approximate methods, that is, optimization methods that solve the problems quickly, regardless of their size or complexity, even if they do not guarantee optimal solutions. In other words, methods that find “acceptable” solutions, efficiently. One particular type of approximate method, which is particularly effective in complex problems, are metaheuristics. Particle Swarm Optimization is a population-based metaheuristic, which has been particularly successful. In order to broaden the application and overcome the limitation of Particle Swarm Optimization, a discrete version of the metaheuristics is proposed. The Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization, DPSO, will change the PSO algorithm so it can be applied to discrete optimization problems. This alteration will focus on the velocity update equation. The DPSO was tested in an instance of the Traveling Salesman Problem, att48, 48 points problems proposed by Padberg and Rinaldi, which showed some promising results. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
In this paper, a decision support application, for the air cargo planning and distribution, is proposed. The freight forwarding sector has been working to be assertive and efficient in responding to the market through an efficient approach to planning and allocation problems. The main goal is to minimize costs and improve performance. A real air cargo distribution problem for a freight forwarder was addressed. This project emerged from the need to efficiently plan and minimize costs for the distribution of thousands of m(3) (cubic meters) of air cargo, while considering the market restrictions, such as aircraft availability and transportation fees. Through the GRG algorithm adaptation to the real problem, it was possible to respond to the main goal of this paper. The development of an easy-to-use application ensures a quick response in the air distribution planning, focusing on cost reduction in transportation. With the application development it is possible to obtain real earnings with immediate effect.

Abstract