Genetic Algorithm-Based Coordinated Replenishment in Multi-Item Inventory Control

Abstract

We herein consider a stochastic multi-item inventory management problem in which a warehouse sells multiple items with stochastic demand and periodic replenishment from a supplier. Inventory management requires the timing and amounts of orders to be determined. For inventory replenishment, trucks of finite capacity are available. Most inventory management models consider either a single item or assume that multiple items are ordered independently, and whether there is sufficient space in trucks. The order cost is commonly calculated based on the number of carriers and the usage fees of carriers. In this situation, we can reduce future shipments by supplementing items to an order, even if the item is not scheduled to be ordered. On the other hand, we can reduce the average number of items in storage by reducing the order volume and at the risk of running out of stock. The primary variables of interest in the present research are the average number of items in storage, the stock-out volume, and the number of carriers used. We formulate this problem as a multi-objective optimization problem. In a numerical experiment based on actual shipment data, we consider the item shipping characteristics and simulate the warehouse replenishing items coordinately. The results of the simulation indicate that applying a conventional ordering policy individually will not provide effective inventory management.