Littlefiend

Littlefield Laboratories is a state-of-the-art highly automated blood samples testing lab. Samples are tested using a test kit that is disposed after testing one sample. These kits are procured from a single supplier and stored in the materials buffer. The testing process consists of four steps carried out at 3 stations called sample preparing, testing and centrifuging. The blood samples arrive from hospitals and clinics as customer orders. The first step consists of matching each sample with one test kit from the buffer (the combination is referred to as a job), filling test tubes with blood and preparing for the testing process. This is done at the sample preparing station. The job then moves to the testing station where basic tests are conducted on the blood sample in step 2. In the third step, the sample is centrifuged to extract plasma and blood cells. Finally, the job moves back to the testing station for additional testing in step 4. All samples go through additional testing and then the results are sent to the customer.

As each order comes in it must meet the following criteria: (1) the inventory of test kits is less than the material reorder point, (2) there are no orders for test kits currently outstanding, and (3) the laboratory has sufficient cash to purchase the specified order quantity. If it is allowed in the assignment, you may set the reorder point and order quantity independently to any number of kits, as long as that number is greater than zero. The testing is commenced for 360 days and the lab will then shut down and dispose of any remaining kit inventories as overhead. The main goal is to process the complex demand pattern to allow for managing the maximum amount of blood testing.

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