Optimized deployment of parts in a distribution network
View Patent ↗A method for deploying parts is disclosed. Locations that include supply locations and demand locations are defined. A supply location supplies parts to a demand location. A demand is computed for each part at each location. An availability lead-time is estimated for each part at each location. A lead-time demand is computed for each part at each location using the availability lead-times for the part. A stock level is computed for each part at each location. A completely filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels, and a partially filled demand is determined from the lead-time demands and the stock levels. A coverage function for the parts at the locations is generated from the completely filled demand and the partially filled demand.
1. A computer-implemented system deploying parts in a distribution network, the system comprising:
a computer coupled with one or more databases, the computer configured to:
access data associated with a plurality of parts at a plurality of locations in the distribution network;
calculate a demand for each part at each location;
estimate an availability lead-time for each part at each location; and
generate a coverage function for each location based on the availability lead-time and the accessed data for each part.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the coverage function is optimized by minimizing an expected backorder for at least one of the plurality of parts at each location.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the computer is further configured to:
optimize the coverage function; and
determine an optimal deployment of the parts at each location according to the optimized coverage function.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the computer is further configured to calculate a replenishment lead-time for each part at each location.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the accessed data comprises data associated with a demand history, the demand history describes parts required at each location.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the accessed data comprises data associated with a repair history, the repair history describes the capability of each location to repair a part.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the accessed data comprises data associated with one or more paths used to transfer parts between locations.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the accessed data comprises data selected from the group consisting of:
a cost of transporting parts along one or more paths;
a cost of purchasing one or more parts;
a cost of storing one or more parts at each location as a percentage of the purchase cost for the one or more parts; and
a cost associated with ordering one or more parts.
9. A computer-implemented method for deploying parts in a distribution network, comprising:
accessing, by a computer, data associated with a plurality of parts at a plurality of locations in the distribution network;
calculating, by the computer, a demand for each part at each location;
estimating, by the computer, an availability lead-time for each part at each location; and
generating, by the computer, a coverage function for each location based on the availability lead-time and the accessed data for each part.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the coverage function is optimized by minimizing an expected backorder for at least one of the plurality of parts at each location.
11. The method of claim 9 , further comprising:
optimizing the coverage function; and
determining an optimal deployment of the parts at each location according to the optimized coverage function.
12. The method of claim 9 , further comprising calculating a replenishment lead-time for each part at each location.
13. The method of claim 9 , wherein the accessed data comprises data associated with a demand history, the demand history describes parts required at each location.
14. The method of claim 9 , wherein the accessed data comprises data associated with a repair history, the repair history describes the capability of each location to repair a part.
15. The method of claim 9 , wherein the accessed data comprises data associated with one or more paths used to transfer parts between locations.
16. The method of claim 9 , wherein the accessed data comprises data selected from the group consisting of:
a cost of transporting parts along one or more paths;
a cost of purchasing one or more parts;
a cost of storing one or more parts at each location as a percentage of the purchase cost for the one or more parts; and
a cost associated with ordering one or more parts.
17. A computer-readable storage medium embodied with software of deploying parts in a distribution network, the software when executed using one or more computers is configured to:
access data associated with a plurality of parts at a plurality of locations in the distribution network;
calculate a demand for each part at each location;
estimate an availability lead-time for each part at each location; and
generate a coverage function for each location network based on the availability lead-time and the accessed data for each part.
18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17 , wherein the coverage function is optimized by minimizing an expected backorder for at least one of the plurality of parts at each location.
19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17 , further configured to:
optimize the coverage function; and
determine an optimal deployment of the parts at each location according to the optimized coverage function.
20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17 , further configured to calculate a replenishment lead-time for each part at each location.
21. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17 , wherein the accessed data comprises data associated with a demand history, the demand history describes parts required at each location.
22. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17 , wherein the accessed data comprises data associated with a repair history, the repair history describes the capability of each location to repair a part.
23. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17 , wherein the accessed data comprises data associated with one or more paths used to transfer parts between locations.
24. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17 , wherein the accessed data comprises data selected from the group consisting of:
a cost of transporting parts along one or more paths;
a cost of purchasing one or more parts;
a cost of storing one or more parts at each location as a percentage of the purchase cost for the one or more parts; and
a cost associated with ordering one or more parts.