GOALI: Inventory Routing in the Chemical Industry

摘要：Christos T.Maravelias(1)，Jose Pinto(2)，Larry Megan(2)机构：(1)威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校，(2)Praxair Inc.建议编号：1264096标题：GALI：化工库存路线为了提高供应链的效率，广泛制造部门的供应商转向供应商管理的库存(VMI)实践，在这种实践中，供应商选择交付的时间和数量，同时确保其客户不会耗尽产品。如果有效地实施，VMI策略可以显著提高供应链的效率和可靠性，因为供应商可以更有效地利用他们的资源。此外，由于分销成本通常占总运营成本的30%-50%，实施VMI政策可以节省大量成本。然而，有效地执行VMI政策，特别是在分销网络依赖卡车和拖车的情况下，并不是一项微不足道的任务。它需要整合库存控制和配送路线，这两个问题传统上是分开处理的。该项目的目标是为这一集成问题开发基于优化的模型和解决方法，即所谓的库存路径问题。智力价值本项目的智力优势在于开发、分析、评估和实施了一个基于优化的框架，用于对广泛的、无处不在的库存路径问题的建模和解决。在制定这一框架时，私人投资机构将重点解决以下三个挑战：1.制定新的混合整数规划(MIP)模型，以解决IR问题中的所有特殊特征和限制。开发用于IR问题的大规模MIP模型的有效求解方法。使用真实世界的数据对建议的方法进行评估，并在Praxair实施以评估物流效率、可靠性和安全性。转型潜力如果成功，该项目将导致第一个基于优化的通用方法来解决化工制造供应链中出现的库存路线问题。具体地说，这将是第一个考虑到所有驾驶法规以及所有客户限制的方法。如果实施，它有可能导致各种化学公司分销网络的显著改善。布罗德影响首先，这项研究可以提高工业气体供应链的效率，以及其他制造业部门的供应链，从而增加美国公司的竞争力。其次，它有可能导致(I)工业气体等能源密集型部门的总体能源使用减少，以及(Ii)温室气体排放的减少。第三，这项研究的结果将用于编写教育材料，并为外联活动提供示范。最后，通过威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校化学、化学和生物工程专业的REU，PI将聘请本科生参与该项目。

ABSTRACTPI: Christos T. Maravelias(1), Jose Pinto(2), Larry Megan(2)Institutions: (1) University of Wisconsin-Madison, (2) Praxair Inc.Proposal Number: 1264096Title: GOALI: Inventory Routing in the Chemical IndustryTo improve the efficiency of their supply chains, vendors in a wide range of manufacturing sectors switch to vendor-managed inventory (VMI) practices, where the vendor chooses the timing and volume of its deliveries while ensuring that his customers will not run out of product. If implemented effectively, VMI policies can lead to substantial improvements in the efficiency and reliability of the supply chain, because the vendors make more efficient use of their resources. Furthermore, since distribution costs often represent 30-50% of total operating costs, the implementation of VMI policies can lead to substantial savings. However, executing a VMI policy effectively, especially when the distribution network relies on trucks and trailers, is not a trivial task. It requires the integration of inventory control and distribution routing, two problems that have traditionally been dealt with separately. The goal of this project is to develop optimization-based models and solution methods for this integrated problem, the so-called inventory routing (IR) problem.Intellectual Merit The intellectual merit of this project lies in the development, analysis, assessment, and implementation of an optimization-based framework for the modeling and solution of broad, ubiquitous classes of inventory routing problems. In developing this framework, The PIs will focus on addressing the following three challenges:1. Formulation of new mixed-integer programming (MIP) models that account for all special characteristics and constraints in IR problems.2. Development of effective solution methods for large scale MIP models for IR problems.3. Assessment of the proposed methods using real-world data, and implementation at Praxair to assess logistics efficiency, reliability, and safety.Transformative PotentialIf successful, this project will result in the first general optimization-based approach to inventory routing problems arising in chemical manufacturing supply chains. Specifically, it will be the first approach to account for all driving regulations as well as all customer restrictions. If implemented, it has the potential to lead to significant improvements in the distribution networks of a wide variety of chemical companies.Broader Impacts First, the research could improve the efficiency of the industrial gas supply chain, as well as supply chains in other manufacturing sectors, thus increasing the competitiveness of American companies. Second, it has the potential to lead to reductions in (i) the overall energy usage in energy intensive sectors such as industrial gases and (ii) in greenhouse gas emissions. Third, the results of this research will be used to develop educational material, as well as demonstrations for outreach activities. Finally, through the REU in Chemistry and Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, The PI will hire undergraduate students to work on the project.