A simulation-optimization approach to spare parts allocation based on decision-maker's satisfaction

Maintenance plays an important role in keeping the availability of civilian and military equipments at a satisfactory level. The issue, which decision maker is most concerned about, is how to keep the availability at a satisfactory level with less maintenance cost. In this study, we propose a simulation-optimization approach to spare parts allocation based on decision-maker's satisfaction. Firstly, multi-echelon Spare Parts Management System is systematically studied. Then based on the two-echelon simulation model, the two objectives, operational availability and maintenance cost of the spare parts, are evaluated with fuzzy multi-objective optimization, which are expressed by a objective function: decision-maker's satisfaction. At last, by using this simulation-optimization method, we could get an optimized allocation.