A discrete-time model for common lifetime inventory systems

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Lian, ZT; Liu, LM; Neuts, MF
• 署名单位: University of Macau; Hong Kong University of Science & Technology; University of Arizona
• 刊物名称: MATHEMATICS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0364-765X
• DOI: 10.1287/moor.1040.0133
• 发表日期: 2005
• 页码: 718-732
• 关键词: optimal ordering policies; positive lead time; perishable inventory; Commodities; queues

摘要

We consider a discrete-time (s, S) inventory model in which the stored items have a random common lifetime with a discrete phase-type distribution. Demands arrive in batches following a discrete phase-type renewal process. With zero lead time and allowing backlogs, we construct a multidimensional Markov chain to model the inventory-level process. We obtain a closed-form expected cost function. Numerical results demonstrate some properties of optimal ordering policies and cost functions. When compared with the results for the constant lifetime model, the variance of the lifetime significantly affects the system behavior. Thus, the formalism that we create here adds a new dimension to the research in perishable inventory control under uncertainty in lifetime.