The design and optimization of postal distribution center using a network model

The postal system plays a very important role for a nation in the fields of economic, cultural and social development, etc. Although revolutionary changes have already taken place in the realm of communication, the postal service is still indispensable. The postal distribution center is the key node in the postal logistics network system, and ensures that the postal logistics network functions well. Therefore, the design and optimization of the postal distribution center is urgently to be investigated. In this paper, a network approach to model the postal distribution center is presented. In this model, a device or operation in the center is expressed as an arc. The topological structure of the center is constructed through the connection of the arcs, and is furthermore capable of describing the process and structure of the postal logistics distribution center. Each arc is distributed with the property of capacity to describe the efficacy of a certain device or work. The topological structure and capacity attribute constitute the network model of the complex postal distribution center system. This model provides an effective approach to calculate the maxflow and critical patch, both of which are the foundation of the design and optimization of the postal distribution center, and help to make better decisions in daily operation