A research on logistics model of electric energy metering device considering its continuous detection process

In this paper, we study a practical problem on logistics management of the electric energy metering device (EEMD) in State Grid Corporation of China. We establish an integer programming model to make the optimization decisions for the setting of initial inventories of EEMD (which need to be detected) and detected electric energy metering device (D-EEMD, which need to be distributed) in every single period based on a continuous detection process. Considering the time window of delivery and storage, and the capacity of vehicle which can be dispatched, we optimize the inventory cost and vehicle dispatching cost with the detecting line operating continuously. Finally, we provide a solution of the practical problem and obtain some managerial insights by a numerical analysis using Matlab. We believe that our findings will bring forward some useful suggestions to logistics managers in power and grid industry.