Abstract
Purpose This paper aims to introduce a new mixed integer programming formulation and associated heuristic algorithm to solve the Military Nodal Capacity Problem, which is a type of supply chain network design problem that involves determining the amount of capacity expansion required at theater nodes to ensure the on-time delivery of military cargo. Design/methodology/approach Supply chain network design, mixed integer programs, heuristics and regression are used in this paper. Findings This work helps analysts at the United States Transportation Command identify what levels of throughput capacities, such as daily processing rates of trucks and railcars, are needed at theater distribution nodes to meet warfighter cargo delivery requirements. Research limitations/implications This research assumes all problem data are deterministic, and so it does not capture the variations in cargo requirements, transit times or asset payloads. Practical implications This work gives military analysts and decision makers prescriptive details about nodal capacities needed to meet demands. Prior to this work, insights for this type of problem were generated using multiple time-consuming simulations often involving trial-and-error to explore the trade space. Originality/value This work merges research of supply chain network design with military theater distribution problems to prescribe the optimal, or near-optimal, throughput capacities at theater nodes. The capacity levels must meet delivery requirements while adhering to constraints on the proportion of cargo transported by mode and the expected payloads for assets.
Highlights
IntroductionAlternatively military deployment problems, are similar to supply chain network design (SCND) problems
Military theater distribution problems, or alternatively military deployment problems, are similar to supply chain network design (SCND) problems
A typical military nodal capacity problem (MNCP) is within an overseas country transporting cargo from debarkation ports to final destinations; to avoid security classification issues, the problems presented in this paper are entirely within the USA with cargo moving from ports to inland destinations
Summary
Alternatively military deployment problems, are similar to supply chain network design (SCND) problems. Both problems involve the flow of commodities between facilities over supply routes. Both problems necessitate the timely delivery of these commodities to meet customer demands. The US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) is responsible for identifying potential distribution shortfalls, which may prevent the on-time delivery of military cargo between transportation nodes using available assets, such as trucks and railcars (US Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2017). A significant challenge for analysts at the USTRANSCOM is to identify the constraining factors during military theater distribution operations.
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