In this paper, we explore trade-offs between operational flexibility and operational complexity in periodic distribution problems. We consider the gains from operational flexibility in terms of vehicle routing costs and customer service benefits, and the costs of operational complexity in terms...

We consider a multi-item lot-sizing problem in which there are demands, and unit production and storage costs. In addition production of any mix of items is measured in batches of fixed size, and there is a fixed set-up cost per batch in each period. Suppose that the unit production costs are...