Coordinating a decentralized hybrid push–pull assembly system with unreliable supply and uncertain demand

Solar and wind are unreliable sources of energy. Several years ago, there was an eclipse over Europe during calm weather reducing renewable (wind and solar) power to nil – without 100% backup, the lights would have gone out. Electricity demand is uncertain, but its uncertainty can be bracketed within known parameters based on an analysis of past demand. Meeting uncertain demand with reliable supply (fossil fuel, nuclear, hydro except in dry seasons) is the normal course of business for an operating utility. Matching up unreliable supply with uncertain demand is a newly emerging trend with the advent of renewables. At first, when solar and wind made minute contributions to satisfying electricity demand, the challenge was manageable. The challenge is becoming more prominent with the growth in the contribution of solar and wind to electricity supply. This chapter describes the risk of matching unreliability with uncertainty via a simulation of a utility with a notable commitment to renewables. Upon measuring risk, means to mitigate that risk will be covered.

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Channel coordination in an assembly system facing uncertain demand with synchronized processing time and delivery quantity

International Journal of Production Research ◽

10.1080/00207540412331270469 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 42 (22) ◽

pp. 4673-4689 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

X. Zou ◽

S. Pokharel * ◽

R. Piplani

Keyword(s):

Processing Time ◽

Uncertain Demand ◽

Assembly System ◽

Channel Coordination

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Optimizing Flu Vaccine Planning at NorthShore University HealthSystem

Kellogg School of Management Cases ◽

10.1108/case.kellogg.2016.000249 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Sarang Deo ◽

Ilya Kolesov ◽

Sachin Waikar

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Vice President ◽

The United States ◽

Uncertain Demand ◽

Influenza Epidemic ◽

Major Supplier ◽

Secondary Objective ◽

Flu Vaccine ◽

Unreliable Supply

Stan Kent, vice president of pharmacy at NorthShore University HealthSystem, is faced with the challenge of seasonal planning for the influenza vaccine. The supply received by the multilocation healthcare system is unreliable in terms of timing and quantity. As part of improved planning, Kent is contemplating a new contract with NorthShore's major supplier of flu vaccines. The options under consideration include fixing either the date of delivery or the quantity delivered. The main decision involved in either option would be how much vaccine to order. The case also provides details about the seasonal influenza epidemic in the United States, illustrates operational complexities of the U.S. flu vaccine supply chain, and provides a brief description of the various channels used to distribute flu vaccine to end consumers.The main objective of the case is to illustrate supply chain decision making when there is an unreliable supply (in contrast to the usual case of uncertain demand). A secondary objective is to make students think about appropriate internal (within sector) and external (other sectors) benchmarks to evaluate the performance of a health commodity supply chain.

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