Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Op Ti Ant 071604
Op Ti Ant 071604
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Supply Chain Design and Optimization Solutions 1
Supply Chain Network Design 2
Uncertainty and Variability 2
Inventory Optimization 3
The Need for Both Types of Solutions 4
Successfully Integrating the Two Approaches 4
Conclusion 6
OPTI-003 Network WP.qxd 4/1/03 10:09 AM Page 1
Introduction
Inventory Optimization
Inventory optimization is the second type required to achieve customer service targets,
of modeling and optimization capability. and drive planning approach decisions. This
Inventory optimization is a relatively new type of design is both strategic and tactical
approach and technology, specifically in nature, therefore the modeling horizon is
focused on modeling uncertainty and typically quarterly, monthly, and sometimes
variability and minimizing the risks they weekly. This planning is accomplished at
impose on the supply chain. Because of this the product line, potentially down to the
need to capture and quantify these risks, SKU level (as appropriate), in order to
inventory optimization employs stochastic capture the effects of item-level variability.
methods of analysis and optimization. This approach also enables inventory
Advanced inventory optimization solutions optimization to model and capture the
also consider crucial interdependencies correlation of demand streams, and the
across supply chain processes, meaning benefits of risk-pooling at appropriate
that they can model and optimize multi- points in the supply chain. Inventory
echelon/multi-stage supply chain networks. optimization utilizes a process flow
Similar to network design, inventory approach to connecting the supply chain—
optimization models the supply chain with nodes represent process steps, each with an
a "total supply chain cost" perspective, and associated time and cost. Demand and
uses optimization-based solvers to output demand variance, supply lead-times and
optimal answers. The outputs of inventory their variances, direct and indirect costs,
optimization are optimal inventory target services levels, and inventory
locations (stocking points) and optimal holding costs are some of the primary
inventory amounts (target inventory levels) costs and constraints considered by
inventory optimization.
As stated earlier, network design and The second reason relates to the interaction
inventory optimization solutions address of these cost and performance factors.
complementary sets of strategic supply Using network design and inventory
chain issues, and that they should be used optimization in an integrated fashion not
together in an integrated manner to realize only allows the capture and quantification
maximum benefit. The reasons for this are of all supply chain cost elements, it enables
two-fold. the understanding of their linkages and
interdependencies. The reality is that
The first reason is the need to understand network structure decisions impact inventory
all of the costs and operating parameters deployment strategies, and vice versa.
that are likely to impact supply chain strategy Implementing one solution without the
and performance. Network optimization other overlooks these interdependencies,
primarily supports decisions concerning the and may cause managers to overlook large
trade-off between fixed costs (facilities, cost reduction opportunities or design supply
equipment, etc.) and variable operating chains that are not flexible enough to meet
costs (direct materials, direct labor, etc.). changing customer requirements.
Inventory optimization primarily supports
decisions concerning variable costs that
are often “hidden” in traditional financial Successfully Integrating the Two
statements, like inventory carrying costs Approaches
and working capital tied up in the form of
inventory. Inventory optimization also Integrating supply chain network design
supports decisions concerning the types of and inventory optimization is essential to
operations or capabilities at the various achieving strategies, plans and results that
facilities (warehousing, cross-docking, accurately represent the realities and optimize
make-to-stock vs. make-to-order, etc.), and the performance of your business. There are
the costs associated with those functions. methodologies and approaches, combined
For example, analysis might recommend a with best-in-class modeling tools, which
postponement (a.k.a., late-stage product can be used to get the most out the
customization) strategy that requires the integrated modeling and optimization
insertion of packaging or handling process. This joint modeling process
capabilities downstream in the supply centers around a hierarchical approach,
chain. These functions impact both direct where supply chain network design and
costs, as well as inventory holding costs, inventory optimization are performed in
and are incorporated into inventory sequence. The hierarchical planning
optimization. Only by utilizing both approach consists of four steps, linked with
network design and inventory optimization a feedback loop:
will managers achieve a full understanding
of ALL supply chain costs and related
performance factors.
Generate Optimized
Networks
Finally, it is important to note that there Now, more than ever, companies require
is no single mathematical approach or supply chains that are both flexible and
software tool in which both types of efficient. Flexibility to respond to a rapidly
planning can be captured in one model, thus changing marketplace, and efficiency to
providing an optimal combined solution. In achieve the goals of cost containment and
other words, there is no tool that can corporate profitability. But lean, adaptive
simultaneously solve both problems with supply chains don’t just happen—they have
"one click" of the optimize button. This is to be designed. Combining the latest
due to the unique nature of the problems technologies and processes for supply chain
being solved, the data required, and network design and inventory optimization
the mathematical algorithms required to is a powerful means to achieving your
effectively construct the problem and supply chain design goals. Network
optimize the outputs. design delivers an optimal supply chain
infrastructure, and inventory optimization
delivers optimal inventory deployment
strategies. Each approach is powerful on
its own, but by using them together
managers will unlock hidden opportunities
and capture maximum value from their
supply chain strategies and tactics.