IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/snopef/v4y2023i2d10.1007_s43069-023-00222-7.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization for Practitioners: a Predictive Global Sensitivity Analysis Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Gihan S. Edirisinghe

    (Gordon Ford College of Business, Western Kentucky University)

  • Thamer Almutairi

    (Carson College of Business, Washington State University)

Abstract

Intense competition in e-commerce has forced firms to provide highly precise delivery time guarantees such as ‘same-day’ and ‘2-day’ shipping. To meet these stringent standards, it is imperative that companies avoid stock-outs across multi-echelon supply chain networks. Due to their demanding computational requirements, current approaches for optimizing network-wide safety stock levels are challenging tools to use for day-to-day managerial decision-making. We propose a methodology that creates structural equations using regression techniques based on known optimal results. To achieve this, we employ predictive global sensitivity analysis (PGSA), which allows us to create structural equations based on known optimal results using regression techniques. However, these equations do not necessarily require the conventional inputs of models like the guaranteed-service model. Instead, we regress more intelligible independent variables for near-optimal solutions, which suffices in many initial decision-making situations faced by practitioners, such as evaluating different options, what-if-analysis, and scenario planning.

Suggested Citation

  • Gihan S. Edirisinghe & Thamer Almutairi, 2023. "Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization for Practitioners: a Predictive Global Sensitivity Analysis Approach," SN Operations Research Forum, Springer, vol. 4(2), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:snopef:v:4:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s43069-023-00222-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s43069-023-00222-7
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s43069-023-00222-7
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s43069-023-00222-7?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Inderfurth, Karl & Minner, Stefan, 1998. "Safety stocks in multi-stage inventory systems under different service measures," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 106(1), pages 57-73, April.
    2. Corey Billington & Gianpaolo Callioni & Barrett Crane & John D. Ruark & Julie Unruh Rapp & Trace White & Sean P. Willems, 2004. "Accelerating the Profitability of Hewlett-Packard's Supply Chains," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 34(1), pages 59-72, February.
    3. Minner, Stefan, 2001. "Strategic safety stocks in reverse logistics supply chains," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(1-3), pages 417-428, May.
    4. Stephen C. Graves & Sean P. Willems, 2000. "Optimizing Strategic Safety Stock Placement in Supply Chains," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 2(1), pages 68-83, June.
    5. Kenneth F. Simpson, 1958. "In-Process Inventories," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 6(6), pages 863-873, December.
    6. Diks, E. B. & de Kok, A. G. & Lagodimos, A. G., 1996. "Multi-echelon systems: A service measure perspective," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 95(2), pages 241-263, December.
    7. Brian Wieland & Pat Mastrantonio & Sean P. Willems & Karl G. Kempf, 2012. "Optimizing Inventory Levels Within Intel's Channel Supply Demand Operations," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 42(6), pages 517-527, December.
    8. Harvey M. Wagner, 1995. "Global Sensitivity Analysis," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 43(6), pages 948-969, December.
    9. Inderfurth, Karl, 1991. "Safety stock optimization in multi-stage inventory systems," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 24(1-2), pages 103-113, November.
    10. Sinha, Priyank & Kumar, Sameer & Prakash, Surya, 2020. "Measuring and mitigating the effects of cost disturbance propagation in multi-echelon apparel supply chains," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 282(1), pages 148-160.
    11. Borgonovo, E. & Peccati, L., 2007. "Global sensitivity analysis in inventory management," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 108(1-2), pages 302-313, July.
    12. Eruguz, Ayse Sena & Sahin, Evren & Jemai, Zied & Dallery, Yves, 2016. "A comprehensive survey of guaranteed-service models for multi-echelon inventory optimization," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 110-125.
    13. Ingrid Farasyn & Salal Humair & Joel I. Kahn & John J. Neale & Oscar Rosen & John Ruark & William Tarlton & Wim Van de Velde & Glenn Wegryn & Sean P. Willems, 2011. "Inventory Optimization at Procter & Gamble: Achieving Real Benefits Through User Adoption of Inventory Tools," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 41(1), pages 66-78, February.
    14. John J. Neale & Sean P. Willems, 2009. "Managing Inventory in Supply Chains with Nonstationary Demand," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 39(5), pages 388-399, October.
    15. Chieh Lee & Charles L. Munson, 2015. "A predictive global sensitivity analysis approach to monitoring and modifying operational hedging positions," International Journal of Integrated Supply Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 9(3), pages 178-201.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. de Kok, Ton & Grob, Christopher & Laumanns, Marco & Minner, Stefan & Rambau, Jörg & Schade, Konrad, 2018. "A typology and literature review on stochastic multi-echelon inventory models," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 269(3), pages 955-983.
    2. Eruguz, Ayse Sena & Sahin, Evren & Jemai, Zied & Dallery, Yves, 2016. "A comprehensive survey of guaranteed-service models for multi-echelon inventory optimization," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 110-125.
    3. Stephen C. Graves & Tor Schoenmeyr, 2016. "Strategic Safety-Stock Placement in Supply Chains with Capacity Constraints," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 18(3), pages 445-460, July.
    4. Klosterhalfen, Steffen T. & Willems, Sean P. & Dittmar, Daniel, 2023. "Safety stock placement in supply chains with expediting," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 307(2), pages 745-757.
    5. Aouam, Tarik & Kumar, Kunal, 2019. "On the effect of overtime and subcontracting on supply chain safety stocks," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 1-20.
    6. Salal Humair & Sean P. Willems, 2006. "Optimizing Strategic Safety Stock Placement in Supply Chains with Clusters of Commonality," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 54(4), pages 725-742, August.
    7. Fichtinger, Johannes & Chan, Claire (Wan-Chuan) & Yates, Nicola, 2019. "A joint network design and multi-echelon inventory optimisation approach for supply chain segmentation," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 209(C), pages 103-111.
    8. Barros, Júlio & Cortez, Paulo & Carvalho, M. Sameiro, 2021. "A systematic literature review about dimensioning safety stock under uncertainties and risks in the procurement process," Operations Research Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 8(C).
    9. Achkar, Victoria G. & Brunaud, Braulio B. & Pérez, Héctor D. & Musa, Rami & Méndez, Carlos A. & Grossmann, Ignacio E., 2024. "Extensions to the guaranteed service model for industrial applications of multi-echelon inventory optimization," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 313(1), pages 192-206.
    10. Kaminsky, Philip & Kaya, Onur, 2008. "Inventory positioning, scheduling and lead-time quotation in supply chains," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 114(1), pages 276-293, July.
    11. Steffen T. Klosterhalfen & Stefan Minner & Sean P. Willems, 2014. "Strategic Safety Stock Placement in Supply Networks with Static Dual Supply," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 16(2), pages 204-219, May.
    12. Askin, Ronald G. & Krishnan, Shravan, 2009. "Defining inventory control points in multiproduct stochastic pull systems," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 120(2), pages 418-429, August.
    13. Ghadimi, Foad & Aouam, Tarik, 2021. "Planning capacity and safety stocks in a serial production–distribution system with multiple products," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 289(2), pages 533-552.
    14. Schuster Puga, Matías & Minner, Stefan & Tancrez, Jean-Sébastien, 2019. "Two-stage supply chain design with safety stock placement decisions," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 209(C), pages 183-193.
    15. Kumar, Kunal & Aouam, Tarik, 2019. "Extending the strategic safety stock placement model to consider tactical production smoothing," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 279(2), pages 429-448.
    16. Stephen C. Graves & Sean P. Willems, 2000. "Optimizing Strategic Safety Stock Placement in Supply Chains," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 2(1), pages 68-83, June.
    17. Funaki, Kenichi, 2012. "Strategic safety stock placement in supply chain design with due-date based demand," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 135(1), pages 4-13.
    18. Grace Hua, N. & Willems, Sean P., 2016. "Analytical insights into two-stage serial line supply chain safety stock," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 181(PA), pages 107-112.
    19. Osman, Hany & Demirli, Kudret, 2012. "Integrated safety stock optimization for multiple sourced stockpoints facing variable demand and lead time," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 135(1), pages 299-307.
    20. Ramesh Bollapragada & Uday S. Rao & Jun Zhang, 2004. "Managing Inventory and Supply Performance in Assembly Systems with Random Supply Capacity and Demand," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 50(12), pages 1729-1743, December.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:snopef:v:4:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s43069-023-00222-7. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.