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Simulation-optimization model for production planning in the blood supply chain

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Abstract

Production planning in the blood supply chain is a challenging task. Many complex factors such as uncertain supply and demand, blood group proportions, shelf life constraints and different collection and production methods have to be taken into account, and thus advanced methodologies are required for decision making. This paper presents an integrated simulation-optimization model to support both strategic and operational decisions in production planning. Discrete-event simulation is used to represent the flows through the supply chain, incorporating collection, production, storing and distribution. On the other hand, an integer linear optimization model running over a rolling planning horizon is used to support daily decisions, such as the required number of donors, collection methods and production planning. This approach is evaluated using real data from a blood center in Colombia. The results show that, using the proposed model, key indicators such as shortages, outdated units, donors required and cost are improved.

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Acknowledgments

We are very grateful to the staff of the Hemocentro Distrital for their support with this project and for providing data. We are also grateful for the comments of the editor and anonymous reviewers, which have greatly improved the quality of this paper. The first author’s research is funded by a PhD scholarship from the Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia y Tecnologia, Colciencias, Bogota, Colombia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Southampton Business School, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK

    Andres F. Osorio & Sally C. Brailsford

  2. Universidad Icesi, Calle 18 No. 122 - 135, Cali, Colombia

    Andres F. Osorio

  3. Mathematical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK

    Honora K. Smith

  4. Hemocentro Distrital, Cra. 32 No 12 - 81, Bogotá, Colombia

    Sonia P. Forero-Matiz & Bernardo A. Camacho-Rodríguez

Authors
  1. Andres F. Osorio
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  2. Sally C. Brailsford
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  3. Honora K. Smith
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  4. Sonia P. Forero-Matiz
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  5. Bernardo A. Camacho-Rodríguez
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andres F. Osorio.

Appendices

Appendix A

Table 8

Table 8 Probability distributions used
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Appendix B

Table 9

Table 9 Values of set elements used in the example model
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Osorio, A.F., Brailsford, S.C., Smith, H.K. et al. Simulation-optimization model for production planning in the blood supply chain. Health Care Manag Sci 20, 548–564 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10729-016-9370-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10729-016-9370-6

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