The myopic Order-Up-To policy with a proportional feedback controller

Abstract

We develop a discrete control theory model of a myopic Order-Up-To (OUT) policy reacting to a stochastic demand pattern with Auto Regressive and Moving Average (ARMA) components. We show that the bullwhip effect arises with such a policy despite the fact that it is optimal when the ordering cost is linear. We then derive a set of z-transform transfer functions of a modified OUT policy that allows us to avoid the bullwhip problem by incorporating a proportional controller into the inventory position feedback loop. With this technique, the order variation can always be reduced to the same level as the demand variation. However, bullwhip-effect avoidance always comes at the cost of holding extra inventory. When the ordering cost is piece-wise linear and increasing, we compare the total cost per period under the two types of control policies: with and without bullwhip-effect reduction. Numerical examples reveal that the cost saving can be substantial if the order variance is reduced by using the proportional controller.

Publication
International Journal of Production Research, 45 (2), 351-368