Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

submittedVersion

Publication Date

9-2019

Abstract

In many production environments, a fixed network of capacity is shared flexibly between multiple products with random demands. What is the best way to configure the capacity of the production network and to allocate the available capacity, to meet pre-determined fill rate requirements? We develop a new approach for network capacity configuration and allocation, and characterize the relationship between the capacity of the network and the attainable fill rate levels for the products, taking into account the flexibility structure of the network. This builds on a new randomized allocation mechanism to deliver the desired services.We use this theory to investigate the connection between the flexibility structure and capacity configuration. We provide a new perspective to the well-known phenomenon that "long chain is almost as good as the fully flexible network": For given target fill rates, the required capacity level in a long-chain network is close to that in a fully flexible network, and is much lower than a dedicated system. We apply these insights and techniques on problems arising in the design of last mile delivery operations, and in semi-conductor production planning, using real data from two companies.

Keywords

Production Networks, Capacity Configuration, Process Flexibility, Fill Rate Target

Discipline

Operations and Supply Chain Management

Research Areas

Operations Management

Publication

Management Science

Volume

65

Issue

11

First Page

5091

Last Page

5109

ISSN

0025-1909

Identifier

10.1287/mnsc.2018.3169

Publisher

INFORMS

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2018.3169

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