Scribd
Upload
3 views2 pages

Quantum Computing Optimization

This paper introduces a novel approach to optimizing supply chain logistics using the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), demonstrating a significant reduction in runtime compared to classical methods. By mapping multi-echelon inventory allocation problems to an Ising spin glass formulation, the authors show that near-term quantum devices can effectively tackle complex NP-hard problems. Experimental results indicate high fidelity and rapid convergence, particularly under varying noise conditions.

Uploaded by

yairkatz007
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views2 pages

Quantum Computing Optimization

This paper introduces a novel approach to optimizing supply chain logistics using the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), demonstrating a significant reduction in runtime compared to classical methods. By mapping multi-echelon inventory allocation problems to an Ising spin glass formulation, the authors show that near-term quantum devices can effectively tackle complex NP-hard problems. Experimental results indicate high fidelity and rapid convergence, particularly under varying noise conditions.

Uploaded by

yairkatz007
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithms for

Complex Supply Chain Logistics


Dr. Aris Thorne, Prof. Elena Vance

ABSTRACT
This paper presents a novel approach to supply chain network optimization using a variant of the Quantum Approximate
Optimization Algorithm (QAOA). We demonstrate that by mapping multi-echelon inventory allocation problems to an Ising
spin glass formulation, a near-term noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) device can achieve a quadratic reduction in
runtime compared to classical mixed-integer linear programming (MILP). Experimental results simulated on a 42-qubit
classical architecture show high fidelity and rapid convergence under varying noise parameters.

1. INTRODUCTION

The optimization of global supply chains represents one of the most computationally taxing challenges in modern
industrial engineering. Classical approaches, while robust for small to mid-scale networks, suffer from the curse of
dimensionality when confronted with stochastic demand functions, multi-modal transport constraints, and dynamic
routing variants. Traditionally, these NP-hard problems are addressed via heuristic frameworks or mixed-integer
linear programming (MILP).

Quantum computing introduces a paradigm shift. By leveraging superposition and quantum entanglement,
algorithms like the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) can explore vast combinatorial
solution spaces simultaneously. In this paper, we formalize the mapping of multi-echelon logistics networks
directly into a Hamiltonian framework suitable for NISQ-era quantum hardware.

2. MATHEMATICAL FRAMEWORK & MAPPING

To implement QAOA, the classical optimization problem must first be converted into an unconstrained binary
quadratic optimization (QUBO) format. Consider the cost minimization objective function:
C(x) = ∑ cixi + ∑ vijxixj

Where xi represents binary decision variables (e.g., whether a distribution route i is active), ci denotes the static
operational costs, and vij accounts for cross-route interference and capacity constraints. This QUBO function is
directly mapped to an Ising Hamiltonian operator H via the standard transformation xi → (I - Zi) / 2, yielding:
H = ∑ hiZi + ∑ JijZiZj

3. SIMULATION AND RESULTS

We simulated the proposed framework using a state-vector simulator representing a 42-qubit system. The
objective was to evaluate the approximation ratio across various depth layers (p). Our results show that at p = 4, the
algorithm consistently achieves an approximation ratio greater than 0.94, outperforming standard simulated
annealing models by a significant margin in highly constrained scenarios.

Journal of Advanced Research Templates (2026) 1


3.1 Convergence Efficiency
The rate of convergence was found to be tightly coupled with the optimization landscape of the classical
parameters (γ, β). Utilizing a gradient-free Nelder-Mead classical optimizer yielded the highest stability under
simulated environmental gate noise profiles.

Journal of Advanced Research Templates (2026) 2

You might also like