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Branch-and-Price for a Multi-attribute Technician Routing and Scheduling Problem

Author

Listed:
  • Ines Mathlouthi

    (Université de Montréal
    Université de Montréal)

  • Michel Gendreau

    (Université de Montréal
    École Polytechnique de Montréal)

  • Jean-Yves Potvin

    (Université de Montréal
    Université de Montréal)

Abstract

In this paper, we present an exact branch-and-price algorithm for a multi-attribute technician routing and scheduling problem. This problem integrates a number of distinctive features from a real-world application, like management of an inventory of different parts and multiple time windows for service. Based on the fact that not all tasks need to be performed, a new ternary branching scheme is introduced within the branch-and-price algorithm. Computational results show that our algorithm can solve instances with up to 45 tasks and greatly improves upon a commercial solver applied to an arc-based mixed integer linear program.

Suggested Citation

  • Ines Mathlouthi & Michel Gendreau & Jean-Yves Potvin, 2021. "Branch-and-Price for a Multi-attribute Technician Routing and Scheduling Problem," SN Operations Research Forum, Springer, vol. 2(1), pages 1-35, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:snopef:v:2:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s43069-020-00044-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s43069-020-00044-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Neda Tanoumand & Tonguç Ünlüyurt, 2021. "An exact algorithm for the resource constrained home health care vehicle routing problem," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 304(1), pages 397-425, September.
    2. Vincent F. Yu & Yueh-Sheng Lin & Panca Jodiawan & Shih-Wei Lin & Yu-Chi Lai, 2023. "The Field Technician Scheduling Problem with Experience-Dependent Service Times," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-17, November.
    3. Nielsen, Clara Chini & Pisinger, David, 2023. "Tactical planning for dynamic technician routing and scheduling problems," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    4. Chen, Xi & Li, Kaiwen & Lin, Sidian & Ding, Xiaosong, 2024. "Technician routing and scheduling with employees’ learning through implicit cross-training strategy," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 271(C).

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