A constant lot size model with equal and unequal sized batch shipments between production stages

Abstract

The model presented in this paper assumes that a constant lot size is produced through a fixed sequence of manufacturing stages, with a single set-up and without interruption at each stage. Transportation of partial lots, called batches, is allowed between stages. Equal or unequal sized batches can be shipped from one stage to the next, and the total number of batches may differ across stages. A heuristic procedure is developed to determine the economic lot size and the batch sizes for each stage. The computational method for solving the model is illustrated by an example.