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Determining Optimal Locations of Postal Access Points Based on Simulated Annealing

Author

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  • Katarina Mostarac

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Petar Mostarac

    (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Zvonko Kavran

    (Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Dragana Šarac

    (Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 106314 Novi Sad, Serbia)

Abstract

The development of a sustainable postal system depends on the sustainability of its postal network, especially the organization of the postal access points. Postal service providers around the world face great challenges due to changes in the service trends and in consumer behavior. In this paper, the authors argue the importance of the postal network and its significance in rural areas. Methodologies including advanced search algorithms such as brute force and simulated annealing are proposed for best determining the possible locations of postal access points with no or minimal decrease in service accessibility. To the best of our knowledge, these algorithms are scarcely used for determining postal service accessibility. The results show that the decline of the postal office could significantly affect service accessibility. An analysis of the numbers of access points and their impacts on the postal network is provided, as well as the scenario of an additional access point. This methodology could help postal service providers to better plan network organization and resources. For service users, the application of the methodology adds to better service accessibility that considers the distances traveled.

Suggested Citation

  • Katarina Mostarac & Petar Mostarac & Zvonko Kavran & Dragana Šarac, 2022. "Determining Optimal Locations of Postal Access Points Based on Simulated Annealing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:14:p:8635-:d:862725
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. Bruno, Giuseppe & Cavola, Manuel & Diglio, Antonio & Piccolo, Carmela & Pipicelli, Eduardo, 2021. "Strategies to reduce postal network access points: from demographic to spatial distribution criteria," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Nima Pourmohammadreza & Mohammad Reza Akbari Jokar, 2023. "A Novel Two-Phase Approach for Optimization of the Last-Mile Delivery Problem with Service Options," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-25, May.
    2. Ivana Nikolić & Jelena Milutinović & Darko Božanić & Momčilo Dobrodolac, 2023. "Using an Interval Type-2 Fuzzy AROMAN Decision-Making Method to Improve the Sustainability of the Postal Network in Rural Areas," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-26, July.

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