Modeling the Supply Chain of Second-Hand Cars

A Strategic Approach to Expansion and Efficiency with Python

Diogo Ribeiro
10 min readFeb 27, 2024
Photo by Campbell on Unsplash

Introduction

The second-hand car market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased consumer demand and the proliferation of online sales platforms. However, this expansion introduces complex logistical challenges for businesses, particularly in the areas of collection, refurbishment, and distribution. This case study explores the logistical hurdles encountered by a company amid rapid growth, highlighting the necessity for both tactical solutions for daily operations and strategic planning for long-term sustainability.

To address these challenges and enhance logistics management while accommodating higher volumes of cars, the company leveraged Mixed Integer Programming (MIP), an advanced mathematical modeling technique. This approach was instrumental in analyzing the supply chain comprehensively, pinpointing inefficiencies, and reducing operational costs. The employment of MIP underscores a novel strategy in the sector, showcasing the pivotal role of operational research in refining supply chain management practices within the automotive industry.

By focusing on the application of MIP, this case study not only demonstrates a methodical approach to overcoming logistical…

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