Multi-echelon inventory optimization for an oil services company

Abstract

In the oilfield services industry, healthy margins and the criticality of product availability have often over shadowed the need for operational efficiency. Although those factors have not changed, the emergence of stronger industry competition and challenging economic climates have prompted ABC company to explore efficiency gains via supply chain optimization. This thesis examines and assesses opportunities for ABC Company to employ statistical inventory models, understand a variety of factors that influence inventory levels and costs, and improve its network structure. As many inventory models are not designed to accommodate SKUs that have very low rates of consumption, we also propose a methodology that will provide operational guidance and cost implications to address these types of SKUs.