Simulation- optimisation approach to support management of blood components inventory

ABSTRACT

Blood supply chains (BSCs) face challenges in managing the production and inventory of blood components. We developed a simulation-optimisation approach to address inventory of blood products in blood supply chains. This approach can determine inventory size and replenishment points for blood products that balances supply and demand, while maintaining acceptable levels of wastage and shortage. A simulation methodology is used to represent the complexities in the inventory management of blood components. An optimisation module, coupled with the simulation, is used to address constraints related to waste, shortages, and inventory levels. The approach was verified and validated using a case study conducted in a blood bank in Brazil managing a supply of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). The approach proved to be suitable for the case analyzed and results suggest that 120 units is adequate to meet the demand for RBCs, while maintaining acceptable levels of shortages and wastages.

KEYWORDS:

• Blood supply chain
• inventory management
• Red blood cells
• simulation-optimization

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais [APQ-02333-21].