The application of optimisation engines and numerical techniques to supply chains is becoming increasingly common. To understand more, google one of:

• Operations Research in Forestry
• Operations Research in Horticulture
• Operations Research in Fleet Management

What you'll find is a collection of technical papers formulating mathematical models and describing how these are applied in practice. The trick is to build the right mathematical model for your business, and apply the right optimisation engine to solve the right problem.

We have seen operations research applied in practice with varying levels of success, and can assist with solution design and deployment using commercial optimisation tools (eg. Manugistics, Aimms, CPLEX), or our own optimisation engines which apply:

• Mixed Integer Programming
• Maximum Flow/Travelling Salesman
• Simulated Annealing
• Non-Linear Optimisation
• Queueing Theory

We have examples of optimisation in practice on our Supply page, including:

• Mixed Integer Programming to create an 18 month capacity and materially constrained plan optimising changeover cost versus inventory.
• Simulated Annealing for detailed Production Scheduling.
• Mixed Integer Programming for distribution replenishment planning and shipping container optimisation.