Siting a Distribution Centre, An Analogue Computer Application

This paper describes the use of a general purpose electronic analogue computer for locating a distribution centre, or in general for solving the problem of link-length minimization in networks (for example, when it is required to locate a set of supply points, such that the overall cost of transportation is minimized). Analogue programmes for solving the problem with one or two distribution centres are given and the extension of the method to cover the case of m distribution centres is indicated. Examples for systems with one and two distribution centres are solved and results are compared with those obtained analytically. The method can be extended to cover the case where costs are a non-linear function of distance.