Inventory allocation with multi-echelon service level considerations

Abstract

This paper develops a METRIC-like method to optimize inventory allocations for low-demand items in a multi-echelon finished goods distribution system. The allocations are made by trading-off total inventory investment against service levels as measured by the stockout probabilities. We focus on a one-product three-echelon system and develop a solution procedure for such a system. We then apply that model and solution procedure to an illustrative example and compare the resulting inventory policies to optimal policies for a two-echelon system.