A meta-heuristic optimization for a novel mathematical model for minimizing costs and maximizing donor satisfaction in blood supply chains with finite capacity queueing systems

Abstract

Blood and blood banks play an essential role in patient care. This study proposes a novel mathematical model for Blood Supply Chains (BSCs), which minimizes the total costs and maximizes donor satisfaction by reducing the system’s waiting time. The model addresses several aspects of the BSC, such as locating collection centers, allocating blood donors to collection centers, inventory control in the main blood center, blood shortage and deterioration considerations, and queueing systems in collection centers over a planning horizon. Queueing systems lead to a better understanding of the BSC and provide an opportunity to investigate donors’ attendance and waiting times. A real-world case study is presented and solved using a new meta-heuristic algorithm to illustrate the model’s applicability. Finally, sensitivity analyses are performed, and several beneficial managerial insights are provided.

Keywords

• Queueing systems
• Blood supply chain
• Meta-heuristic
• Permanent and temporary collection center
• Blood inventory management
• Location–allocation