Distributed, Multi-Echelon Logistics Management

The objective of this proposal is to develop multi-echelon logistics management tools based on Agile principles and integrate them into the Manufacturing Repair Overhaul (MRO) environment. The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center (OC-ALC) current processes are sub-optimized and focus on each individual operation. This research would create a global optimization by balancing the key issues that impact the overall flow of the aircraft. Depot MRO has its own unique set of challenges that make it different then traditional manufacturing. The age of their aircraft and the different operating environments of each aircraft further compound issues not addressed in conventional manufacturing. To address the unique needs of the MRO environment, we propose to develop heuristic strategies that approximate the optimal solution, and overcome the long computational time associated with exact solutions. These tools will utilize heuristic optimization strategies and be designed to enable the OC-ALC to react to the short lead-time environment common with its unpredictable repairs.