AN OPEN-LOOP SOLUTION FOR A STOCHASTIC PRODUCTION-REMANUFACTURING PLANNING PROBLEM

A stochastic linear production planning problem with chance-constraints is introduced in order to provide a production plan that optimizes a reverse logistics system. Such a system is composed of two channels: in the forward channel, new and remanufactured products are produced and stored into a serviceable inventory unit. On the other hands, in the reverse channel, used and defected products are stored into the remanufacturable inventory unit. The uncertainties about the fluctuation of demand and the amount of returnable are the reason of the stochastic nature of the problem. Since global optimal solution is not easy to be achieved, an equivalent-deterministic suboptimal problem is proposed. An example of applicability of this deterministic problem is presented. In this example, two situations are proposed: the first considers that 50% of used-products are returnable; while the second considers 100%. It is assumed that 5% of new products are rejected during the quality inspection process. As a result, the example shows that, under certain circumstances, it is possible to improve the performance of the system by increasing the return rate for used-products.