Meta-heuristics for a complex push–pull production system

Hybrid push/pull production systems have received recent attention in the literature. This paper investigates a hybrid push/pull system originating from a foundry. The aim is to determine safety stock and replenishment levels for a large inventory situated at the junction point between component production and assembly operations. Components are produced according to a make-to-stock policy and are received into inventory when completed. Assembled goods are made-to-order, pulling components from the inventory when required. Classical techniques cannot be used in such a complex environment because they are based on invalid assumptions. This study proposes heuristically controlled simulations for attaining good solutions to the problem. Experimental results demonstrate and compare the proposed methods.