Distribution network design selection

The electrical distribution system design and equipment selection must consider requirements of the utility company for protection and metering. Available short circuit currents from the utility distribution network to the primary of the facility s main transfoiTner must be considered in selecting circuit protection devices for the facility distribution system. 

For instance, consider the logistics network design model discussed previously. A DSS is often used to assist in optimizing the number of warehouses required as well as their size and customer allocation to each warehouse. The DSS uses information about the distribution system to calculate the various costs related to the site selection and customer allocation. The data required for this problem involve the manufacturers, warehouses, and customers and the transportation between them. Since this is a long-term planning tool, yearly demand data and costs are typically used, but sometimes the user may need to determine how to account for seasonality. In addition, in order for this kind of DSS to be utilized successfully, the user needs to break the products into product families... 

The basic horizontahy polarized panel antenna can be modihed to produce circular polarization through the addition of verticahy polarized radiators. Panel designs offer broad bandwidth and a wide choice of radiation patterns. By selecting the appropriate number of panels located around the tower, and the proper phase and amphtude distribution to the panels, a number of azimuth patterns can be realized. The primary drawback to the panel is the power distribution network required to feed the individual radiating elements. 

The NP-GP model (with weights from AHP) selects supplier K3, plants Ml and M2, distribution center Nl, and transportation link Ul. Direct shipment from plant to customers is not allowed. Finished products are distributed to customers via DC Nl. For this network design, the unfulfilled demand and delivery time to customers are achieved. However, profit, the facility disruption risk, and the transportation disruption risk goals are not achieved, differing by 2.36%, 30.35%, and 27.4% from the target values, respectively. 

Although this base case network structure does not reflect the exact design for any particular manufacturer or retailer it nonetheless offers a reasonable reflection of actual industry practices. For example, Unilever is consolidating its national distribution network to six regional DCs - including one recently opened outside of Atlanta totaling over 1 million square feet (McCurry and Stamer, 2002). The cities selected for the distribution centers in the base case include key ones commonly recommended for nationwide warehouse networks (Anonymous, 2002). 

Most companies inherited their supply chains. The active design of supply chain networks is relatively new. fn the first 20 years, the placement of factories, the design of distribution centers, and the selection of suppliers were not critical. Today, the design is paramonnt. 

---