Dual dynamic programming for linear production/inventory systems (Q1813749)

The paper considers the problem of scheduling production of a single product, which is produced in a factory whose technology is described by an LP, and then stored for future use if desired. The method developed solves first an LP for each period parametrically, and then uses a dual dynamic programming algorithm to generate the optimal production- inventory policy for the entire planning horizon. Throughout the modelling procedure, the analysis is illustrated by a small example problem.