A separation heuristic for mixed integer programs is presented that theoretically allows one to derive several families of "strong" valid inequalities for specific models and computationally gives results as good as or better than those obtained from several existing separation routines...

IRP involves the distribution of one or more products from a supplier to a set of clients over a discrete planning horizon. Each client has a known demand to be met in each period and can only hold a limited amount of stock. The product is shipped through a distribution network by one or more...