CASH FLOW OPTIMIZATION IN DELIVERY SCHEDULING
Abstract The paper examines the inventory routing problem from the perspective of the present value of the cash flow associated with the distribution of a commodity such as propane. We analyze this problem for both deterministic and stochastic customer demands and validate our results on data from a real life distribution operation of propane. The analysis based on the present value of the cash flow indicates that optimization of propane deliveries based on efficiency/cost criteria alone will generate inferior solutions and it would be more advantageous for the company to set deliveries for a large percentage of the customers based on the present value of cash flow. In addition, in the case of stochastic demands, deliveries based on the cash flow consideration will tend to reduce the number of stockouts (i.e. improve both profit and service).
VEHICLE ROUTING: METHODS AND STUDIES
Overview. (Contributors: A.A. Assad, B.L. Golden A.A. Assad M. Haimovich, A.H.G. Rinnooy Kan, L. Stougie). Algorithmic Techniques for Vehicle Routing. (Contributors: M. Desrochers, J.K. Lenstra, M.W.P. Savelsbergh, F. Soumis M.M. Solomon, E.K. Baker, J.R. Schaffer K.E. Nygard, P. Greenberg, W.E. Bolkan, E.J. Swenson D.O. Casco, B.L. Golden, E.A. Wasil B. Nag, B.L. Golden, A. Assad). Models for Complex Routing Environments. (Contributors: G. Laporte M.O. Ball H.N. Psaraftis W.B. Powell P. Jaillet, A.R. Odoni M. Fischetti, P. Toth). Practical Applications. (Contributors: J.N. Holt, A.M. Watts L. Levy, L. Bodin R.C. Larson, A. Minkoff, P. Gregory U. Pape B.L. Golden). Development of Vehicle Routing Systems. (Contributors: J.M. Hooban J.-M. Rousseau).
Dimensional Errors of Fixtures, Locating and Measurement Datum Features in the Stream of Variation Modeling in Machining
Machining processes are usually multi-station processes involving a large number of operations and several locating datum changes. Machining errors are thus introduced, transformed and accumulated as the workpiece is being machined. This paper introduces procedures for expressing the influence of errors in fixtures, locating datum features and measurement datum features on dimensional errors in machining. These procedures are essential in the derivation of the Stream of Variation model of dimensional machining errors using the CAD/CAPP parameters of the machining process. The linear state space form of the Stream of Variation model allows for advanced control theory achievements to be employed in formal solutions to problems in multi-station machining. Modeling procedures presented in this paper were experimentally verified in machining of an automotive cylinder head.