Formulation of an Inventory Management Model for Goods Marketing Companies Subject to Independent Demand

Formulación de un Modelo de Gestión de Inventarios para Empresas Comercializadoras de Bienes Sujetas a Demanda Independiente

Abstract

The problem of managing inventory is one of the most important for companies. A company that properly manages its inventory minimizes operating costs while being able to meet the demand needs of its customers, generating value through the supply chain. In this work, the salient characteristics and the current situation of the inventory systems of trading companies in Venezuela are described. Subsequently, a model is built that integrates the characteristics of these systems and the frequent needs of managers. The system model is integrated into a computerized tool that proposes good inventory policies and allows the impact of any policy to be studied through fast but realistic simulations. The tool is mainly aimed at analyzing the system's sensitivity to changes in costs, restrictions, expiration time and demand variability and delays. This is an important aspect given that today's companies are in an environment of constant transformation. The ultimate goal of this tool is to reduce inventory operating costs while ensuring good service to customers, as well as to test inventory plans before bringing them to reality.