On optimizing production nofed in supply chain systems

Summary Analysis, planning and control of distributive logistic systems represent nowadays a major research field, which has aroused great interest of companies as well. Actually, because of the ever increasing competition, companies must always be efficient and productive, with ambitious objectives such as maximizing service levels, complying with required due-dates, minimizing inventory levels at each stage of the network, minimizing transportation and infrastructure costs. For this reason, the integration of production, distribution and inventory management results to be a crucial aspect to be considered. In this context, different groups of researchers have devoted their attention to the design, analysis, optimization and management of distributed production systems, in order to define optimal decisions or coordination schemes for the different decision makers acting in such networks. All these aspects are summarized in the common expression supply chain management, which emphasizes the view of the company as a part of a chain composed of different stages, such as suppliers, manufacturers, assemblers, warehouses, customers [1, 2, 3].