Browsing by Author "Black, Catherine Dianne"

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    Optimal inventory control in cardboard box producing factories : a case study
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2004-12) Black, Catherine Dianne; Van Vuuren, J. H.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Mathematical Sciences.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis is a case study in optimal inventory control, applied to Clickabox factory, a South African cardboard box producer from whom cardboard boxes may be ordered at short notice via the internet. The problem of developing a decision–support system for optimal stockholding at the factory, in order to minimize cardboard off–cut wastage subject to required service levels, is addressed in this thesis. Previously a simple replenishment policy, based largely on experience, was implemented at the factory. The inventory model developed for and applied to Clickabox in this thesis takes account of a raw materials substitution cascade, as well as the stochasticity of demand, and other factors such as cost, service level and spatial requirements for the storage of stock. This combination of stochastic demand and product substitution has not, to the author’s knowledge, previously been dealt with in the literature. There are two primary deliverables of this study. The first is a suggestion as to the suitable stock composition (cardboard types from which boxes may be manufactured) to be kept in inventory at the factory. The second deliverable is a computerised decision–support system, based on the inventory model developed, to aid in future inventory replenishment decisions at Clickabox. Some of the results of this thesis have, at the time of writing, already been implemented with success at the factory. These include the suggestions given to the management of Clickabox as to the suitable stock types to be held in inventory, which have been implemented in stages since March 2003. The suggested stock composition has proven to be superior to the previous stock types held, in terms of a reduction in off–cut wastage and increased availability of suitable boards.