World Food Programme Supply Chain Optimization

Abstract

The team worked with the World Food Programme - food aid arm of the United Nations- on two supply chain problems: lack of smooth operations due to variability in donations, and lack of a standardized inventory management methodology. They created an inventory ordering tool ready for immediate implementation and a mathematical model of the supply chain to optimize its operations and study long-term strategic changes. When tested on historic and simulated data the inventory management tool and redesigned supply chain with the location of commodity pre-positioning depots demonstrated significant benefits in increased service levels and decreased costs.