Three-Index Optimization Transportation Model

This paper presents the features of the project implementation based on the developed mathematical model for optimizing delivery of products or resources (for instance: grain and oil crops) to the seaports on the south of Ukraine to form a regular batch for a vessel. The objective of the research is to form a mathematic model for minimizing the project cost of delivering the products from terminals to the seaport. The mathematic model of delivery cost minimization is reduced to a three-index transportation problem. Today we know both rigorous and approximate methods of solving such logistics problems. With account taken of a big number of variables in real-world problems, we composed a program of solving the problem in a Maple® symbol math computer package environment. The model example of optimization calculation provided in the paper shows reasonability of an automated approach to logistics problems for minimization of shipment cost. The practical value consists in the fact that the model is based on the today's condition of logistics structure in Ukraine. The scientific result obtained confirms it to be worth recommending to carry out such calculations. The paper includes an abstract of the program source code and the model problem solution, as well as recommendations on further refinement of the model.