Quality-aware modeling and optimal scheduling for perishable good distribution networks: The case of banana logistics

Modern technologies have enabled approaches to estimate freshness of perishable products during production and distribution. Nevertheless, the loss of perishable goods is still high due to the deteriorating nature and inefficiencies in supply chains. This research focuses on improving the scheduling of banana logistics using real-time quality information. Bananas are typically shipped from tropical production sites to other places in the world. With temperature controlled reefer containers and sensor technologies, bananas can be monitored during transport and situations like early ripening can be predicted. In order to minimize spoilage, we propose a mathematical model for scheduling logistics activities with the consideration of both the biological process and the logistics procedure of bananas. Results of simulation experiments indicate that the method could reduce spoilage using real-time monitoring and scheduling.