Fuzzy-logic-based bi-objective approach for multi-period technician routing and scheduling problems

Abstract

In this study, a multi-period technician routing and scheduling problem is addressed. The problem involves performing tasks at various locations by dividing them into teams of differently skilled technicians. Additionally, a bi-objective mixed-integer programming method is provided to model the problem as the goals of the model are to optimize the travel cost while simultaneously minimizing the overtime and waiting time. Furthermore, a fuzzy logic approach is introduced to solve the problem by offering a single Pareto solution to satisfy both objectives rather than providing efficient solutions, as in classical multi-objective models. Finally, computational experiments and analyses are presented to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed mathematical formulation and solution approach. The results demonstrate that the proposed model performed satisfactorily.