Abstract
The location of logistics distribution centers is a crucial issue in modern logistics distribution systems. In order to obtain a more reasonable solution, an effective optimization algorithm is essential. This paper proposes a new hybrid method, named the beetle antennae search-rain algorithm (BRA), for the problem of logistics distribution centers' location. The innovation of the BRA is embodied in three aspects. Firstly, the beetle antennae search (BAS) algorithm is embedded into the rain algorithm (RA); thus, the BAS is improved from an individual search to a swarm intelligent search and the global search ability is improved. Secondly, the search direction strategy of the BAS algorithm is incorporated into the RA, which can improve response speed while ensuring optimization performance. Finally, the search precision is improved by the mechanism of eliminating the inferior solution and generating a new solution. The BRA is tested on 10 benchmark functions and applied to solve the logistics distribution centers' location problem. The performance of the BRA is compared to that of several classical heuristics by using relevant evaluation indexes and dynamic optimization convergence graphs. Experimental results show that the BRA outperforms the BAS algorithm, the RA and some other classic heuristics. It is also revealed that the BRA is an effective and competitive algorithm for logistics distribution centers' location.