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An optimization model for the aggregate production planning of a Brazilian sugar and ethanol milling company

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Abstract

This work presents an optimization model to support decisions in the aggregate production planning of sugar and ethanol milling companies. The mixed integer programming formulation proposed is based on industrial process selection and production lot-sizing models. The aim is to help the decision makers in selecting the industrial processes used to produce sugar, ethanol and molasses, as well as in determining the quantities of sugarcane crushed, the selection of sugarcane suppliers and sugarcane transport suppliers, and the final product inventory strategy. The planning horizon is the whole sugarcane harvesting season and decisions are taken on a discrete fraction of time. A case study was developed in a Brazilian mill and the results highlight the applicability of the proposed approach.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Production Engineering Department, Federal University of Sao Carlos, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil

    Rafael P. O. Paiva & Reinaldo Morabito

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  1. Rafael P. O. Paiva
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  2. Reinaldo Morabito
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Correspondence to Reinaldo Morabito.

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Paiva, R.P.O., Morabito, R. An optimization model for the aggregate production planning of a Brazilian sugar and ethanol milling company. Ann Oper Res 169, 117–130 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-008-0428-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-008-0428-9

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