Analyzing of spares inventory management policy based on the analytic hierarchy process

This paper analyses spares inventory management policy based on the AHP. Its purpose is to develop an economic and effective spares management method basing on the criticality of spares. The author discusses about the foundation theory of the analytic hierarchy process and the spares inventory management. A numerical example is presented to illustrate how to analyze spares inventory management policy based on the AHP. In this example, a three-level hierarchy has been suggested. Criteria of evaluating the criticality of spares and the alternative modes for each criterion have been identified. The model has been used to obtain absolute measurements of criticality which can be compared with pre-specified numerical limits for classifying spares' criticality. Finally, spares inventory management policy is established basing on the criticality of spares and performance evaluation shows this method works well.