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Cross-training policies for repair shops with spare part inventories

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  • Sleptchenko, Andrei
  • Turan, Hasan Hüseyin
  • Pokharel, Shaligram
  • ElMekkawy, Tarek Y.

Abstract

We study a spare part supply system for repairable spare parts where parallel repair servers may have multiple skills (can repair different failed parts). Demands for the spares occur according to Poisson processes with different rates. The failed spare parts are immediately replaced from the inventory. Otherwise, failed parts are backordered and fulfilled when a spare of the same type becomes available (repaired). The repair servers are heterogeneous and can process certain types of repairables only if they have the necessary skill. In this system, in contrast with the other skill-optimization models, there is a trade-off between adding extra skills to servers (training) or adding extra inventory. In this paper, we formulate a mathematical model to optimize the assignment of skills to servers taking into account inventories for the ready-to-use spares and backorder costs (penalties). To optimize the skill assignments and inventories, we use a hybrid approach combining a Genetic Algorithm (GA) with simulation modeling. The proposed simulation-based optimization heuristic is used for extensive analysis of optimal skill assignments where we show that partial flexibility for repair servers with limited cross-training will lead to lower total system cost.

Suggested Citation

  • Sleptchenko, Andrei & Turan, Hasan Hüseyin & Pokharel, Shaligram & ElMekkawy, Tarek Y., 2019. "Cross-training policies for repair shops with spare part inventories," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 209(C), pages 334-345.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:209:y:2019:i:c:p:334-345
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2017.12.018
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    1. Turan, Hasan Hüseyin & Atmis, Mahir & Kosanoglu, Fuat & Elsawah, Sondoss & Ryan, Michael J., 2020. "A risk-averse simulation-based approach for a joint optimization of workforce capacity, spare part stocks and scheduling priorities in maintenance planning," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).
    2. Yazdekhasti, Amin & sharifzadeh, Shila & Ma, Junfeng, 2022. "A two-echelon two-indenture warranty distribution network development and optimization under batch-ordering inventory policy," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 249(C).
    3. Moallemi, Enayat A. & Elsawah, Sondoss & Ryan, Michael J., 2020. "Strengthening ‘good’ modelling practices in robust decision support: A reporting guideline for combining multiple model-based methods," Mathematics and Computers in Simulation (MATCOM), Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 3-24.
    4. Voorberg, S. & van Jaarsveld, W. & Eshuis, R. & van Houtum, G.J., 2023. "Information acquisition for service contract quotations made by repair shops," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 305(3), pages 1166-1177.
    5. Akl, Amany M. & El Sawah, Sondoss & Chakrabortty, Ripon K. & Turan, Hasan Hüseyin, 2022. "A Joint Optimization of Strategic Workforce Planning and Preventive Maintenance Scheduling: A Simulation–Optimization Approach," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 219(C).
    6. Lamghari-Idrissi, Douniel & Basten, Rob & van Houtum, Geert-Jan, 2020. "Spare parts inventory control under a fixed-term contract with a long-down constraint," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 219(C), pages 123-137.

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