Replenishment Analysis in Distribution Requirements Planning*
研究了配送需求计划中批量决策问题，通过模拟实验比较五种批量规则，发现Silver-Meal和Bookbinder-Tan启发式方法表现更优，对供应链管理者有参考价值。
ABSTRACT Most research on lot sizing has been for the case of a manufacturing system. In this paper, analogous issues are studied for a distribution network. Specifically, we consider the choice of shipment quantities within distribution requirements planning (DRP). A simulation model of DRP in a multi‐echelon, rolling‐schedule environment is used to examine, in conditions of both certain and uncertain demand, the performance of five lot‐sizing rules. We conducted a full‐factorial experiment in which four additional parameters were varied: distribution network structure (two options), demand distribution (three options), forecast error distribution (three options), and ordering cost (three values), as suggested by the consulting study which motivated our research. We found that for DRP, contrary to the “shop floor” wisdom on MRP, the choice of lot‐sizing method can be important. Generally the Silver‐Meal and Bookbinder‐Tan heuristics were significantly better than the other methods.