GOALI: Inventory Routing in the Chemical Industry

摘要：克里斯汀. Maravelias（1），Jose平托（2），Larry Megan（2）机构：（1）威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校，（2）普莱克斯公司提案编号：1264096标题：目标：化学工业中的库存路由为了提高供应链的效率，许多制造业的供应商转向供应商管理库存（VMI）实践，供应商选择交货的时间和数量，同时确保他的客户不会用完产品。 如果有效实施，VMI策略可以导致供应链的效率和可靠性的实质性改善，因为供应商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%，因此实施VMI政策可以节省大量成本。然而，有效地执行VMI策略，特别是当分销网络依赖于卡车和拖车时，不是一项简单的任务。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。这个项目的目标是开发基于优化的模型和解决方法，这个综合的问题，所谓的库存路由（IR）problem.Intellectual Merit这个项目的智力价值在于开发，分析，评估和实施一个基于优化的框架，广泛的，无处不在的库存路由问题的建模和解决方案。在制定这一框架时，方案执行人将重点解决以下三个挑战：1.新的混合整数规划（MIP）模型的制定，考虑所有特殊的特点和约束条件的IR问题.发展了大规模MIP模型的有效求解方法.使用真实世界的数据和普莱克斯的实施来评估物流效率、可靠性和安全性的建议方法的评估。变革潜力如果成功，该项目将导致第一个基于通用优化的方法来解决化学制造供应链中出现的库存路由问题。具体来说，这将是第一种考虑所有驾驶法规和所有客户限制的方法。如果该项目得以实施，将有可能显著改善各类化学品公司的分销网络。更广泛的影响首先，该研究可以提高工业气体供应链的效率，以及其他制造业的供应链，从而提高美国公司的竞争力。第二，它有可能导致减少（一）能源密集型部门如工业气体的总体能源使用量和（二）温室气体排放量。第三，这项研究的结果将用于编写教育材料，以及推广活动的示范。最后，通过威斯康星州-麦迪逊大学的化学、化学和生物工程REU，PI将雇用本科生从事该项目。

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.