We present a learning framework for Markovian decision processes that is based on optimization in the policy space. Instead of using relatively slow gradient-based optimization algorithms, we use the fast Cross Entropy method. The suggested framework is described for several reward criteria and its effectiveness is demonstrated for a grid world navigation task and for an inventory control problem.

This paper surveys recent works on queuing approaches to a number of optimization problems in production systems, especially modem jobbing production systems (or multi-item small lot production systems) represented by flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). This paper outlines optimization problems concerning with such aspects of the system design and control as workioading, job selection, produc...

This extended abstract addresses the preliminary results of applying uncertainty handling strategies and advanced control techniques to the inventary management of hospitality pharmacy. Inventory management is one of the main tasks that a pharmacy department has to carry out in a hospital. It is a complex problem because it requires to establish a tradeoff between contradictory optimization cri...

Dell’s supply chain for desktops involves Asian vendors shipping components by sea to several U.S. plants. While suppliers are responsible for shipping enough inventory, Dell can re-route and expedite their shipments while in transit and also transfer on-hand inventory in order to balance supply across sites. This paper describes the development, implementation and impact of the process and opt...

In this paper, we develop approximations that yield insight into the joint optimization of capacity and inventory, and how the optimal inventory policy varies with capacity investment in a single-product, single-station, make-to-stock manufacturing system in which inventory is managed through a base-stock policy. We allow for a correlated demand stream as we analyze our models in an asymptotic ...

In order to be competitive companies need to take advantage of synergetic interactions between different decision areas. Two of these are related to the distribution and inventory management processes. Inventory-Routing Problems (IRPs) arise when inventory and routing decisions must be taken simultaneously, which yields a difficult combinatorial optimization problem. In this paper, we propose a...

We consider a production-inventory system where the production and demand follow Poisson processes whose rates are modulated by an external stochastic environment process. We study two such systems: with and without an external supplier, and show an interesting stochastic decomposition relationship between the steady state distribution of inventory levels in these two systems. We consider the o...

Large multi-echelon inventory systems usually consist of hundreds of thousands of stock keep units (SKU). Calculating inventory policies for each product is a computational burden that necessitates the need for more efficient policy setting techniques that reduce computational time and increases managerial convenience. The main objective of our research is to investigate the effect of segmentat...

Based on the real-world inventory control problem of a capacitated healthcare apparel service centre in Hong Kong which provides tailor-made apparel-making services for the elderly and disabled people, this paper studies a partial backordered continuous review inventory control problem in which the product demand follows a Poisson process with a constant lead time. The system is controlled by a...

This study aims to determine the relationship between regional property management optimization of asset as well planning, identification BMD, BMD inventory and supervision control a variable. Data were collected from employees financial agency South Sumatra Province through structured questionnaire. The sample used was 56 at Regional Financial Asset Management Agency analyzed using SPSS versio...