An interpreter for adaptable supply chain planning algorithms

Describes and tests the notion of a generic search interpreter (GSI). A GSI is an interpreter and an associated programming language with three characteristics: (1) any conceivable algorithmic search strategy can be programmed in the language, (2) any given program will work for any given search problem, and (3) perturbing any given program results in a feasible alternative program. These characteristics support the "automatic" adaptation of planning algorithms that, among other possibilities, may be used to help coordinate flows among departments in a company or among companies in a supply chain. The work is motivated by the diverse and dynamic nature of supply-chain planning in practice, combined with the ongoing rapid advancements in the information technology infrastructure in industry - advancements that significantly increase the economic impact of improved computer-supported supply-chain planning methods.