The planning and optimisation of a supply chain network under conditions of uncertainty

Abstract

This paper discusses the planning and optimisation of a supply chain network under uncertainty, and which is followed by a case study. Research revealed that the nature of demand uncertainty was the key differentiator between the various supply chain optimisation techniques analysed and therefore this development is based on a survey of existing multi-uncertainty supply chain optimisation techniques, followed by an analysis, extraction and collation of the core components contained therein, and thereby creating the desired 'supply chain network planning and optimisation methodology under conditions of uncertainty'. In the example, the objective is to maximise the production and distribution of a range of NPK fertiliser in accordance with market demand whilst simultaneously minimising the discharge of effluent. The optimum operating results achieved were very good, i.e., throughput of NPK fertiliser was 99.3% of maximum possible capacity and effluent discharge was 94.1% of minimum possible.