4‐stage distribution network optimization of supply chain with grey demands

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to attempt to realize a distribution network optimization in supply chain using grey systems theory for uncertain information. Design/methodology/approach There is much uncertain information in the distribution network optimization of supply chain, including fuzzy information, stochastic information and grey information, etc. Fuzzy information and stochastic information have been studied in supply chain, however grey information of the supply chain has not been covered. In the distribution problem of supply chain, grey demands are taken into account. Then, a mathematics model with grey demands has been constructed, and it can be transformed into a grey chance‐constrained programming model, grey simulation and a proposed hybrid particle swarm optimization are combined to resolve it. An example is also computed in the last part of the paper. Findings The results are convincing: not only that grey system theory can be used to deal with grey uncertain information about distribution of supply chain, but grey chance‐constrained programming, grey simulation and particle swarm optimization can be combined to resolve the grey model. Practical implications The method exposed in the paper can be used to deal with distribution problems with grey information in the supply chain, and network optimization results with a grey uncertain factor could be helpful for supply chain efficiency and practicability. Originality/value The paper succeeds in realising both a constructed model of the distribution of supply chain with grey demands and a solution algorithm of the grey mathematics model by using one of the newest developed theories: grey systems theory.