Military Logistics Consolidation Center Location Problem : Modeling and Analysis

Abstract

In Korea military (KM), various military supplies are distributed to individual military units via three different multi-tier supply networks owned and operated by army, navy, and air force, respectively. Under the current supply networks, the chances for the occurrence of delayed supply, undersupply, and oversupply increase, and supply redundancy also can become a problem. Thus, KM is now trying to improve its current multi-tier supply networks by constructing logistics consolidation centers. Private companies operate logistics consolidation centers to effectively manage various types of inventories before delivering them to final customers. In this paper, we newly propose a mathematical model for building the optimized military supply network considering adopting the military logistics consolidation centers. Based on the real situation of KM, the proposed model was validated in terms of its feasibility, and it seems that the outcome (the location of the military logistics consolidation centers) of the proposed model can be one of the good alternatives for KM.

Wartime logistics model for multi‐support unit location–allocation problem with frontline changes

“…Sim et al. () summarized the differences between military and commercial supply chains in terms of goals, objectives, key performance indicators, procurement criteria, demand characteristics, supply chain networks, and processes for product acquisition. Although the military logistics system aligns with an integrated logistics system, the frequently changing environment makes adaptation a challenge.…”

“…Sim et al. () suggested a mathematical model that minimizes the total cost of the supply chain to determine the optimal location and number of facilities to open. As Sim et al.…”

“…As Sim et al. () pointed out, the goal of the military supply chain is to minimize inventory shortages rather than to minimize inventory holding costs. Also, the demand during wartime is both unstable and unforecastable, supply points are changeable, and material has priority over other products.…”