Inventory systems with variable capacity

Many complex production/inventory systems are characterised by uncertain capacities due to imperfect facilities and processes. Uncertainty in supply capacity may consist of variable supplier capacities and random yields. We extend a model with variable supplier capacity in several directions and analyse the effects of variable supplier capacity. First, we investigate a lot-sizing problem in an EOQ model with variable supplier capacity and random yield. Second, we develop an EOQ model with storage or investment constraints when multiple items are considered. Third, we apply a distribution-free approach (DFA) to the (Q, r) model with variable supplier capacity. [Received: 11 November 2009; Revised: 21 June 2010; Accepted: 19 July 2010]