Abstract：Duringthe recent years, with the establishment of the distributing centers and theinvestigation of distributing pattern, the efficiency of distribution hasgreatly increased. Meanwhile, certain problems such as low loading rate,overlapping transport and circuitous transport still constrain the decrease ofthe cost as well as the improvement of the service. Therefore how to make theefficiency higher while cutting the cost is a critical problem ahead us.

Joint distribution has been widely studied all aroundthe world for the advantage as convenience and stability. It is the generalplanning for the whole material-flow system while take the requests of thecustomers, time requirement and cost in consideration.

In this article we will study the method designing byusing simulated annealing algorithm and ant colony algorithm. Also a real casewill be used as an example. Finally we will simulate the final bestdistribution plan by Em-plant software.

Key words:Joint distribution, simulated annealing algorithm, ant colony algorithm, systemsimulation, electronic material-flow

1.Introduction

Joint distribution is widely used in recent yearsespecially in industrial area by generally designing and planning the transportsystem as a whole while satisfying the requirement of customers as aprerequisite. It includes the establishment of the pattern, the model of costdistribution, logistics route planning and so on [1]. Decreasing the transportcost has been a grave problem faced by almost every enterprise [2].  When studying vehicle transport problem (VRP)or certain route planning problems, some popular algorithms can be applied asuseful tools. With the development of computer technology, people are able tomake advanced decision by figuring out the proper route. The emerges of moreand more simulation software make the whole procedure more visible than ever [3].What is more, by using the simulation software, decision-makers can take someoccasional element into consideration. So the algorithms and case discussed inthis article has a great significance and huge practical value by comparing twoalgorithms applied in real case and presenting a simulation model which takingseveral critical norms to assess the cost.

2.Real case description

In order to assess the function and stability of thetwo popular algorithms, we will cite a real case as an example. 

A logistics company which located in city 1 is incharge of delivering the electronic products to other 12 cities around it. Thenumber of products (tons) is given while each branch company is not availableduring half-month time span (Table1).