Lateral Resupply in a Multi-Echelon Inventory System,
Abstract
We model a multi-echelon (s-1,s) continuous review, resupply system in which inter-site movement of assets within the same echelon (lateral resupplies) are permitted. Lateral resupply-the lateral movement of assets within a given supply echelon from one site to another to satisfy supply shortages - is common in large, multi-echelon supply systems. In fiscal year 1985, for example, approximately 8 percent of supply shortages affecting aircraft mission capability in the U.S. Air Force were satisfied by lateral resupply between bases. Existing methods for modeling lateral resupply are not practical for use in large-scale models such as the Air Force METRIC (Multi-Echelon Technique for Recoverable Item Control) model 1. We modify the METRIC approach, which computes total retail expected backorders by item from standard logistics input data (e.g., failure rates and wholesale and retail repair and resupply times), to include incorporation of lateral resupply in the system. Described in terms of a one-item model, our method is specifically designed to provide for efficient processing in a multi-item model. Incorporation of this method in Air Force METRIC-based models can improve evaluation of supply systems effects on peacetime readiness and wartime sustainability. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA168845
Entities
People
- F. M. Slay
Organizations
- LMI