Location and allocation problem for spare parts depots on integrated logistics support

In equipment integrated logistics support (ILS), the supply capability of spare parts is a significant factor. There are lots of depots in the traditional support system, which makes too many redundant spare parts and causes high cost of support. Meanwhile, the inconsistency among depots makes it difficult to manage spare parts. With the development of information technology and transportation, the supply network has become more efficient. In order to further improve the efficiency of supply-support work and the availability of the equipment system, building a system of one centralized depot with multiple depots becomes an appropriate way. In this case, location selection of the depots including centralized depots and multiple depots becomes a top priority in the support system. This paper will focus on the location selection problem of centralized depots considering ILS factors. Unlike the common location selection problem, depots in ILS require a higher service level. Therefore, it becomes desperately necessary to take the high requirement of the mission into account while determining location of depots. Based on this, we raise an optimal depot location model. First, the expected transportation cost is calculated. Next, factors in ILS such as response time, availability and fill rate are analyzed for evaluating positions of open depots. Then, an optimization model of depot location is developed with the minimum expected cost of transportation as objective and ILS factors as constraints. Finally, a numerical case is studied to prove the validity of the model by using the genetic algorithm. Results show that depot location obtained by this model can guarantee the effectiveness and capability of ILS well.