Application of Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers in the Inventory Problem of Decision Science

Abstract

The objectives of this research study focus on managing production networks efficiently through a systematic and integrated approach. The central idea is to combine inventory control and transportation scheduling to optimize the entire supply chain. The study introduces the concept of the overtime fuzzy inventory-transportation problem (FITP), specifically aiming to determine an optimal distribution plan that considers overtime to minimize total distribution costs. The use of trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFN) is highlighted as a key methodology for addressing uncertainty and incomplete information in real-world problems. TrFNs are considered a generalization of crisp and fuzzy numbers, providing a flexible framework for modelling imprecision. The process of de-fuzzification is mentioned as a means to convert fuzzy numbers into crisp numbers for practical applications, thereby obtaining clear and precise solutions.