Modelling and analysis of service parts logistics systems. (3rd December 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tovia, Fernando; Brooks, Robert M.; Cassady, C. Richard; Rossetti, Manuel D.
• Is Part Of: International journal of operational research. Volume 10:Number 1(2011)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 81
• Publication Date: 2010-12-03
• Subjects: service parts logistics -- optimisation -- genetic algorithms -- M/G/1 queuing model -- technician assignment; Operations research -- Periodicals; 003.05
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-7645

Abstract

Many organisations purchase equipment, that is, subject to unpredictable failures to carry out their services. When these breakdowns occur, maintenance technicians restore the equipment in a timely fashion either through repair or the installation of spare parts. In this research, the behaviour of the service parts logistics system (SPLS) is approximated with a modified M/G/1 HOL queuing model. Then, the costs structure of the SPLS is defined and approximated with a mathematical model that captures the interdependence of the inventory policy and the technician assignment. A heuristic 'assign locations' is implemented based on the modified M/G/1 HOL queuing, the costs model and a genetic algorithm to search for the near-minimum cost technician assignment given a fixed technician's vehicle inventory policy.