Planning delivery routes for a postman/milkman.
Answers
Answer:
Milkman
Planning a delivery route of a milkman is a logistic problem. The term used is "Milk-run" in logistics which facilitates distribution system.
MBA students are taught the subject to take vital decisions for the company in future. Milk run lays down the whole system of distribution of milk. The weight and volume limit is considered, the number of milk suppliers in a particular area available, the timing of the delivery, consideration of the perishable nature of milk, the traveling should be planned. The supplier has to collect milk on his route, deliver it to customers within timeslots and also at some places has to collect the empty bottles. The whole route should be planned with minimum delay and maximum accurate delivery, planning for any contingencies if arrives. A map of the area should be taken, the number of suppliers in the area and number of milk distributors available should be calculated, the division of the area within time constraints. All this should be tied together keeping in mind the traffic, road conditions, local permits and other things.
Postman
Planning a delivery route for a postman was first studied by Chinese and therefore is described as "The Chinese Postman Problem". This can be studied in detail from the book "A First Look at Graph Theory" by John and Derek. The book describes,
before starting on his delivery route, a postman must pick up his letters at the post office, then he must deliver letters along each street on his route, and finally he must return to the post office to return all undelivered letters. Wishing to conserve energy, every postman would like to cover his route with as little walking as possible. So the theory determines how a postman covers his route and delivers the letters and return back with undelivered ones, with as little walking and fatigue as possible. The time, cost and energy can be saved for the interest of the company as well as the employee.
Step-by-step explanation: