This paper discusses the aggregate production–distribution problem for a manufacturer of plastic products that are produced using injection moulding. For each product, only a single mould is available, but by exchanging moulds between plants, it is possible to produce any product at any plant....

This paper proposes a practical solution approach for the challenging optimization problem of minimizing overall costs in an integrated distribution and inventory control system. Constant customer demand rates are assumed and therefore a long-term, cyclic planning approach is adopted. The...

Vendor managed inventory (VMI) is an example of effective cooperation and partnering practices between up- and downstream stages in a supply chain. In VMI, the supplier takes the responsibility for replenishing his customers' inventories based on their consumption data, with the aim of...