Analysis of location and routing for additive manufacturing logistics networks in healthcare network using a linear-normalized weighted multi-objective model
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Abstract
This research aims to analyze location and optimize delivery routes for a centralized healthcare Additive Manufacturing (AM) system producing external patient-specific prostheses using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology under strict time-window constraints. A case study of 23 healthcare facilities in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province was conducted using a deterministic model tailored for a localized problem size. The methodology first determines the optimal centroid hub using rectilinear minisum location model, followed by the development of a Multi-Objective Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (MOVRPTW) model. The model simultaneously minimizes total operating cost, maximum employee work time, and carbon dioxide emissions, and is solved using an exact method. The results indicate that hospital H17 is the optimal centralized production hub. The generated Pareto optimal solution yields a routing plan utilizing 4 vehicles to distribute a total of 99 medical parts within the operational time windows (09:00 AM – 02:05 PM). The plan limits the maximum employee work time to 305 minutes and restricts carbon dioxide emissions to 105.06 kilograms, while achieving a total operating cost of 28,279 THB (averaging 285.65 THB per unit). This study supports strategic planning to enhance cost-effective and sustainable digital healthcare logistics.
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References
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