A multi-functional tri-objective mathematical model for the pharmaceutical supply chain considering congestion of drugs in factories

Supply Chain Management (SCM), by way of one of the critical issues in the managerial aspect, plays a significant role in tackling humanitarian problems and difficulties. Due to some limitations (e.g., production capacity and storage capacity) and desires (e.g., cost reduction and rising revenues), supply chain managers always seek the best response to the amount and type of communication between different SCM levels. In the upcoming research, a Pharmaceutical Supply Chain (PSC) with three objective functions is developed, aiming to simultaneously minimize total costs, unfulfilled demands, and reduce the waiting time at the factory entrance. In the forthcoming research, the subject literature and research in the PSC modeling and problem-solving are discussed. A nonlinear programming model is then proposed in line with the previous research to solve the existing short-comings. Also, multi-objective decision-making methods are used to match the conflicting objectives of the model simultaneously. Then, GAMS commercial software is used to solve the problem of different sizes. Finally, the wide sensitivity analysis and evaluation of the results are discussed, and future development suggestions are presented.