International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) - Volume4Issue5- May 2013

Evaluation of Operational Quality of a Supply Chain Using Genetic Algorithm

Purvendu Sharma1, Dr.Nagendra Sohani2

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Devi Ahliya Vishwavidyalaya, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Indore, M.P, India. 2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Devi Ahliya Vishwavidyalaya, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Indore, M.P, India

Abstract- The paper seeks to evaluate the impact of

various Operational parameters (For ex. Design Quality, Suppliers Quality etc ) practices within a Supply chain. A Performance Matrix (in the form of graphical user interface (GUI)) is then prepared and marking are inserted for each and every parameters so judged. Based upon the marking so obtained various parameters are scrutinized and evaluated using Genetic Algorithm .This not only helps managers in evaluating SCM performance in an optimized manner but also helps in various decision making process by means of a reference so created by the Performance Matrix. Also with the help of Performance matrix various domains of SCM are scanned and thus they are also ranked accordingly. All those parameters which were less performing or which were not confirming up to the desired level (which hampers the performance and affects adversely a Supply Chain ) are dropped down or they are subjected to further improvement. Thus one is able to figure out an Optimized solution, helps in better decision making process, helps in improving the performance of a Supply Chain, find out less performing domains, weaker areas which are not confirming up to the desired level of satisfaction or hinders the performance of a Supply Chain, ranking based upon the marking ( being inserted in the performance matrix either manually or survey based).The concept of Genetic Algorithm helps in optimization by evaluating the parameters step by step thus the job gets eased.

1. Introduction: Managers and supervisors directing

the efforts of an organization or a group have a responsibility to know how, when, and where to institute a wide range of changes. These changes cannot be sensibly implemented without knowledge of the appropriate information upon which they are based. There is currently no standardized approach to developing and implementing performance measurement systems[1], it is not simply concerned with collecting data associated with a predefined performance [4] goal or standard. Performance measurement[7] is better thought of as an overall management system involving prevention and detection aimed at achieving conformance of the work product or service to our customer's requirements. Additionally, it is concerned with process optimization through increased efficiency and effectiveness of the process or product. These actions occur in a continuous cycle, allowing options for expansion and improvement of the work process or product as better techniques are discovered and implemented. It is primarily managing outcome, and one of its main purposes is to reduce or eliminate overall variation in the work product or process. The goal is to arrive at sound decisions about actions affecting the product or process and its output. The main objectives comprises of: It points out the importance of keyfactors[12] in the performance measurement[4] of SCM, and the nature of roles they need to play. It focuses on critical factors that are likely to contribute for the successful performance measurement [7] of SCM. It examines the impact of various operational quality[12] management within a supply chain. It studies various aspects such as Customer Input, Service Quality, and Design Quality[12] in performance evaluation.

Keywords- Supply Chain Management (SCM), Genetic

Algorithm (GA), Parameters. Performance Matrix, Operational

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International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) - Volume4Issue5- May 2013

1.1 Introduction To Genetic Algorithm: In contrast

to traditional optimization techniques, Gas[8] work with coding of parameters[12], rather than the parameters themselves To evolve good solutions and to implement natural selection, we need a measure for distinguishing good solutions from bad solutions or less performing parameters[3],[4]. Genetic Algorithms [9] are search algorithms based on natural selection and natural genetics. They combine survival of fittest among structures with structured yet randomized information exchange to form a search algorithm. Genetic algorithms are theoretically and empirically proved to provide robust search in complex spaces. Its validity in Function Optimization and Control Applications is well established. Since GA[8] only requires a way to evaluate the performance of its solution guesses without any prior information, they can be applied generally to nearly any optimization problem. GA does not guarantee convergence that the optimal solution will be found, but does provide, on average, a good solution. GA is usually extensively modified to suit a particular application. As a result, it is hard to classify a generic or traditional GA, since there are so many variants. However, by studying the original ideas involved with the early GA and studying other variants, one can isolate the main operations and compose a traditional GA.

optimizing (which will depend upon various industries and also it will change according to the requirement for that particular industry too) the whole process based upon the marking so obtained or the differential score. The Performance Matrix[4] is prepared analyzing different domains of the Operational Quality [12],[2] of supply chain and inserting the markings by conducting a survey accordingly such as : Primary data collection (that is the score based upon the respondents from different demographics) using Sample Surveying[12] can be used. The respondents may be asked to insert scores in the matrix so prepared and on the basis of that score further optimization, ranking, and performance[3] will be evaluated either cumulatively the scores can be calculated or mathematically the scores can give us the idea about the same.

2.1 Performance Matrix: The performance Matrix is

prepared based on the above collected and evaluated operational parameters as a GUI in Java as shown which is followed by the optimization using Java. The matrix shows and briefs all the relevant data and the information in a more synchronized and orderly manner for the managers to take the decision as if which parameters are performing and all the non-conforming parameters accordingly. Following bifurcations are provided in the various SCM parameters along with which following points were evaluated and checked for further evaluation and optimization under following categories. CUSTOMERS INPUT : Ease of cutomers assistance ,Resolving Customers Complains ,Understanding how customers use our products ,Routine Follow-up and Determining Key factors ,Customers satisfaction measurment system. SUPPLIERS QUALITY : Documenting Quality system ,Wheather Quality policy is understood or not,Wheather Quality activities comply with planned activities or not,If they have comprehensive quality auditing system or not,If crucial processes are carried out in a controlled action or not,To control and verify design of a product, investigating causes of non-conformance and taking corrective measures. DESIGN QUALITY : Standard component parts, Manufacturability and assembly product design,Early supplier involvement,Modular design,design quality,

1.2 Graphical User Interface: A graphical user

interface (GUI) is a human-computer interface (i.e., a way for humans to interact with computers) that uses windows, icons and menus and which can be manipulated by a mouse (and often to a limited extent by a keyboard as well). A performance matrix is prepared in JAVA which depicts various domains of Supply Chain in a tabular format along with that a proper spacing to insert the scores in various parameters. A major advantage of GUIs is that they make computer operation more intuitive, and thus easier to learn and use. For example, it is much easier for a new user to move a file from one directory to another by dragging its icon with the mouse than by having to remember and type seemingly arcane commands to accomplish the same task.

2. Design Methodology : Concept of GA[9] is used

in carrying out the optimization process, for that purpose a Performance Matrix[3] is prepares which is in the form of a GUI ( here JAVA programming is used in NETBEANS to prepare a matrix chart showing all the components of a Supply Chain in a tabular form). GA is used for identifying the relationship between the various domains and hence

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Quality function deployment, Using standard component parts , Concurrent engineering. JIT QUALTY : Reducing lot size ,Reducing inventory to expose manufacturing , Reducing step up time, reducing suppliers base.

2.2 Surveying : The primary data is collected using the

surveying which is conducted by inserting the markings in the various parameters of the Performance Matrix as a result it becomes easier to study the various less performing parameters accordingly. The bifurcation into various categories helps in further optimization using Genetic Algorithm. The snapshots of the various outcomes are being illustrated and shown in the figures.

2.3 Genetic Algorithm: The algorithm basically works

on the concept of the iterative loop method that is all the parameters are grouped and bifurcated into the various categories the Performance matrix is prepared using GUI in Java window which is shown in the snapshot. The next step is followed by the iterative looping of Customers Input, Suppliers Quality based on the markings being inserted by the respondents and hence optimized results are being obtained due to the possible iterative looping. The Algorithm basically follows the concept of the survival of the fittest concept that is the one which gets passed in all the iterations finally becomes the optimized solution to the problem domain, also based upon the results of all the iterations ranking is also done for the same.
I. SNAPSHOTS SHOWING RESULTS AFTER EVERY ITERATION OF GENETIC ALGORITHM

3. Results: The performance matrix so prepared allows a

holistic study of the various operational parameters of the supply chain. Depending upon the various markings being inserted in various domains a generalized result is obtained and a proper ranking is obtained for that. The rankings are subjected to further editing depending upon the various industry requirements because depending upon different factors the focus may be given to different factors accordingly. As per the data so obtained is C secures rank first then B followed by E then A and finally D.

4. Conclusions: The findings and the research allows

the managers and also the customers to give a light on the

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various aspects of a product and the industry which otherwise may be neglected. It helps in making better decision making process and choice and product selection. Performance Matrix provides a better and simplified picture of various domains in a tabular format by means of GUI which makes it easier to read and understand. The same Performance Matrix can be used across a wide variety of industries which may result in better optimization of the available resources. Future research is recommended in order to determine whether the proposed perspectives and measures are a necessary and sufficient set. Nevertheless, the framework does represent a strategic SCM evaluation tool that can be used to monitor and guide specific projects and general performance improvement efforts. supply chain management. International Journal of Business Performance Management, 8(2/3),110 131. [8].K.A. De Jong, W.M. Spears and D.F. Gordon (1995) Using Markov chains to analyze GAFOs. In D. Whitley and M. Vose (eds.), Foundations of Genetic Algorithms 3, Morgan Kaufmann, San Mateo, CA, 115137. [9]. C.C. Peck and A.P. Dhawan (1995) Genetic algorithms as global random search methods: An alternative perspective. Evolutionary Computation, 3, 39 80. [10]. C.R. Reeves (1999) Predictive measures for problem difficulty. In: Proceedings of 1999 Congress on Evolutionary Computation, IEEE Press, pp. 736743. [11].Chopra,Meindl & Kalra Supply Chain Management (Strategy Planning & Operation ) fourth edition. [12] Vijay R.Kannan,The impact of operational Quality :a supply chain view.

Acknowledgement: The contribution of the work was

a result of hard work and efforts of the faculty members of the institute in addition to the contributions to the works of those mentioned in the references. The work is would not have been possible without the sincere efforts and help of my mentors and guides , lastly I would like to thank the contributions of every single entity which helped me in completing

References:
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