Capacity Allocation in Flexible Production Networks: Theory and Applications

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Lyu, Guodong; Cheung, Wang-Chi; Chou, Mabel; Teo, Chung Piaw; Zheng, Zhichao; Zhong, Yuanguang
• 署名单位: National University of Defense Technology - China; National University of Singapore; National University of Singapore; National University of Singapore; Singapore Management University; South China University of Technology
• 刊物名称: MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0025-1909
• DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2018.3169
• 发表日期: 2019
• 页码: 5091-5109
• 关键词: production networks; capacity configuration; process flexibility; fill rate targets

摘要

In many production environments, a fixed network of capacity is shared flexibly between multiple products with random demands. What is the best way to configure the capacity of the production network and to allocate the available capacity to meet predetermined fill rate requirements? We develop a new approach for network capacity configuration and allocation and characterize the relationship between the capacity of the network and the attainable fill rate levels for the products, taking into account the flexibility structure of the network. This builds on a new randomized allocation mechanism to deliver the desired services. We use this theory to investigate the connection between the flexibility structure and capacity configuration. We provide a new perspective to the well-known phenomenon that long chain is almost as good as the fully flexible network: for given target fill rates, the required capacity level in a long-chain network is close to that in a fully flexible network and is much lower than a dedicated system. We apply these insights and techniques on problems arising in the design of last-mile delivery operations and in semiconductor production planning, using real data from two companies.