Multiechelon Inventory Systems Using Continuous Systems Analysis and Simulation

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Abstract
A methodology based on analysis and simulation techniques, normally used to study control systems, is applied in the analysis of multiechelon inventory systems. First, the inventory systems are modeled as continuous linear systems. From an analytic point of view, the linear models are advantageous because linear systems analysis can be used to reduce the models to transfer functions or input/ output relationships. Second, the restriction of linearity is removed and the resulting nonlinear inventory models are studied by means of a continuous system simulator. Included in this methodology is a procedure for incorporating inventory costs in the dynamic analysis of the system.