Using break quantities for tactical optimisation in multistage distribution systems


Research Paper
This publication is part of collection
Related Files
asset icon
(feweco19971007144500.pdf, 0.2MB)

In this chapter we discuss a tactical optimisation problem that arises in a multistage distribution system where customer orders can be delivered from any stockpoint. A simple rule to allocate orders to locations is a break quantity rule, which routes large orders to higher-stage stockpoints and small orders to end-stockpoints. A so-called break quantity determines whether an order is small or large. We present a qualitative discussion on the implications of this rule for the marketing process, and a qualitative and quantitative analysis on the implications for the transportation and inventory costs. Furthermore, we present a case study for a company that implemented a break quantity rule. Finally, in the last section the main results are summarised.



Keywords


Automatically Extracted Terms
  • order
  • quantity
  • quantity rule
  • transportation
  • customer
  • distribution
  • inventory
  • warehouse
  • transportation costs
  • inventory costs
  • distribution centre
  • demand
  • delivery
  • system
  • replenishment orders
  • replenishment
  • factory
  • distribution system
  • centre
  • decision