TY - GEN
T1 - Using artificial neural network as a meta-modeling technique in supply chains
AU - Ahmed, Abdulaziz
AU - Ashour, Omar
PY - 2015
Y1 - 2015
N2 - This paper aims to develop a framework for inventory levels estimation in multi-level supply chains. The framework utilizes artificial neural network (ANN) as a meta-modeling technique for discrete event simulation (DES) to estimate the on-hand inventory levels. A DES models the relationships between the supply chain levels. Then the output of the simulation model is analyzed by an ANN model that estimates the on-hand inventories. In this paper, we assume a four-level supply chain (retailer (R), distributor (DC), manufacturing plant (MP), and supplier (S)), in which each level employs a periodic review inventory system (T, S). Two decision variables are considered: inventory target (S) and time between orders (T). The manufacturer capacity is taken into account as well. A simulation experiment is conducted by varying the values of T and S for the R, DC, and MP, and the manufacturing capacity of the MP. The simulation results are then analyzed using an ANN model. The mean absolute difference between the simulation output and the ANN model (mean absolute error (MAE)) is used to evaluate the ANN model. The results showed that the ANN is a powerful meta-modeling technique for analyzing simulation outputs, since the MAE is less than 6%.
AB - This paper aims to develop a framework for inventory levels estimation in multi-level supply chains. The framework utilizes artificial neural network (ANN) as a meta-modeling technique for discrete event simulation (DES) to estimate the on-hand inventory levels. A DES models the relationships between the supply chain levels. Then the output of the simulation model is analyzed by an ANN model that estimates the on-hand inventories. In this paper, we assume a four-level supply chain (retailer (R), distributor (DC), manufacturing plant (MP), and supplier (S)), in which each level employs a periodic review inventory system (T, S). Two decision variables are considered: inventory target (S) and time between orders (T). The manufacturer capacity is taken into account as well. A simulation experiment is conducted by varying the values of T and S for the R, DC, and MP, and the manufacturing capacity of the MP. The simulation results are then analyzed using an ANN model. The mean absolute difference between the simulation output and the ANN model (mean absolute error (MAE)) is used to evaluate the ANN model. The results showed that the ANN is a powerful meta-modeling technique for analyzing simulation outputs, since the MAE is less than 6%.
KW - Artificial neural network (ANN)
KW - Discrete event simulation (DES)
KW - Meta-modeling
KW - Supply chain
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84971009530&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84971009530&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84971009530
T3 - IIE Annual Conference and Expo 2015
SP - 2221
EP - 2228
BT - IIE Annual Conference and Expo 2015
PB - Institute of Industrial Engineers
T2 - IIE Annual Conference and Expo 2015
Y2 - 30 May 2015 through 2 June 2015
ER -