Analysis of a deterministic demand production/inventory system under nonstationary supply uncertainty

In this article we investigate a periodic review inventory model under deterministic dynamic demand and supply unavailability. In a given period, supply is either available or completely unavailable with given probabilities. Supply unavailability probabilities are nonstationary over time. We show the optimality of an order-up-to level policy, and obtain a newsboy-like formula that determines the optimal order-up-to levels. Our formula would provide guidance as to the appropriate amount of inventory to stock in the face of uncertainties in the supply process.