Title: A simulation- and genetic algorithm-based optimisation of closed-loop multi-echelon inventory system

Authors: Rohit Kapoor; Bhavin J. Shah; Nita H. Shah

Addresses: Operations Management and Quantitative Techniques Area, Indian Institute of Management, Indore, India ' Operations Management and Quantitative Techniques Area, Indian Institute of Management, Indore, India ' Department of Mathematics, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India

Abstract: The objective of this research is to develop a genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimisation approach for a multi-echelon closed-loop inventory system of items, which are repairable in nature. In the context of the passenger transportation industry, engineering aggregates like engines, alternators, axles and tyres are representative examples of such systems. The present work is motivated by a real-life example of state-owned transport corporation having more than 9,000 buses. Operationally, the corporation is divided across several depots (the lower most echelon) and divisions (the next higher echelon). The contribution from this research is manifold. In terms of specific insights, it is established that keeping a higher base stock of spare tyres at the divisions than at the depots is operationally better. This is a consequence of the risk pooling effect. The present research enables us to understand the optimal policy parameters of a complex multi-echelon inventory system. The whole optimisation approach and the simulation model can be generalised and can fit well in several other related problems and their contexts. Typically, the approach is applicable to the problems of repairable-parts inventory related to industries with heavy utilisation of equipments like the chemical and the petrochemical industries.

Keywords: multi-echelon inventory systems; closed-loop inventory systems; repairable parts; simulation; genetic algorithms; optimisation; passenger transport; buses; bus transport; spare tyres; risk pooling; optimal policy; modelling; inventory management; public transport.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMOR.2016.073278

International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research, 2016 Vol.8 No.1, pp.28 - 59

Received: 07 Jun 2014
Accepted: 02 Jul 2014
Published online: 30 Nov 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article