View article

In this methodology, we chose 100 cities in Romania, positioned throughout the country and characterized as input by three sizes: latitude, longitude and population size. Latitude and longitude were used for graphical representation of the space considered (Romania) by individual points (cities), and the population was used as approximation of the demand for generic products. We applied a mathematical model in order to calculate the gravitational center using an excel spreadsheet. Each step in applying the model is explained in detail in the paper. The results of the research indicate the optimal location (characterized by its latitude: 45.469408 N and longitude: 25.630817 E) for placing a central warehouse that can supply the 100 cities with minimal transportation costs. Were also calculated the distances between the optimal location and the 100 cities and then identified 10 cities, the closest to our optimal location (Sinaia, Sacele, Brasov, Campina, Campulung, Ploiesti, Fagaras, Pitesti, Mierucurea-Ciuc, Odorheiu Secuiesc). Any of these cities can be chosen as location to build a central warehouse in Romania, because they represent a relatively good approximation for the gravitational center identified in the model applied.