Modeling and optimization of a reliable blood supply chain network in crisis considering blood compatibility using MOGWO

Due to the prominent role of blood in human life, designing an efficient blood supply chain in case of an emergency situation is essential especially considering blood compatibility. This research proposes a multi-objective model for emergency blood supply chain management considering blood compatibility, routing, and location-allocation decisions. The blood supply chain network consists of donors, collection facilities, laboratories, blood centers, and hospitals. The mathematical model aims to minimize total supply chain cost and time while maximizing minimum reliability of established routes by making decisions regarding location-allocation, blood flow, inventory levels, and optimal routes. In order to solve the problem, a novel algorithm called Multi-Objective Grey Wolf Optimizer is used and compared to two classical algorithms Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II. Performance of the algorithms is evaluated in various test problems using powerful measures. Also, the application of the proposed model is investigated in a case study in Iran's capital, Tehran. Based on the results, important managerial insights are derived and optimal locations for facilities, inventory levels, routes and blood flow between facilities are determined.