Optimization strategies for the integrated management of perishable supply chains: A literature review

Purpose: The main purpose of this article is to systematically review the papers published in period 2005-2020 about integration production, inventory and distribution activities perishable supply chains.Design/methodology/approach: proposed research methodology based on several steps. First, database keywords are selected, with aim search collect papers, dealing inventory, chains. Then, a bibliometric analysis carried out, detect: publishing sources, chronological distribution, most used keywords, featured authors, selected papers. A five-dimension classification framework carry out content analysis, where literature classified discussed, according to: chain structure, objective, perishability issues, solution approach, approach validation. Findings: Interest application optimization models for integrated decision-making along chains strongly growing. Integrating multiple stages into single complex, especially when referring products. vast majority problems addressed then NP-Hard. Only limited quantity aims solve real-life case studies. There need further research, which capable modeling quantitatively improving existing potentials Industry 4.0 currently little explored. Originality/value: Based published, outlines current state art strategies management chains, very complex be managed. Research trends gaps future challenges presented.