Vending machines on aircraft carriers

StrategyPage has an interesting inventory-related article: Why The World's Largest Vending Machine Matters. Typical soda machines on a carrier's hangar deck might need to be replenished several times a day. The new VIB machine is 3 times larger than a commerical machine, so might need replenishment only once per day.

I wonder what the cost-per-replenishment is on an aircraft carrier?

Material Handling Links

Michael Cole's Material Handing Page has sections on the Material Handling Industry of America trade association, Magazines & Journals, Societies & Associations, Research Groups, Equipment, Continuing Education, and Academic Courses.

InventoryOps Link Page

InventoryOps.com Links Page: Inventory Management, Manufacturing, Material Handling, and Warehousing.

Nestlé Supply Chain

Nestlé Cooks Up a Global Supply Chain

Slate article

One Word: Logistics --
The unheralded key to the New Economy

Microsoft Excel Solver

The following websites have useful information on the Excel Solver:


Introduction to optimization with the Excel Solver tool

Solving a Linear Program Using the Excel Solver

Solver tutorial for optimization users

Using Solver for LP Problems

Warehouse design software

Georgia Tech professors Bartholdi and Hackman have written a new book: Warehouse and Distribution Science.

The book's Supplement includes web-based Java software that addresses slotting, flow visualization, and pick-path design.

OR/MS Today software surveys

OR/MS Today Software Surveys includes Vehicle Routing, Supply Chain Management, Forecasting, etc.

INFORMS

INFORMS OR/MS Resource Collection: Computer Programs has an extensive list of commercial and non-commercial programs for Opereations Research.

List of logistics providers and consultants

The Supply Chain Space

logistics.about.com

Some links:

1. Logistics and Supply Chain Management Software

2. Starting a Logistics Software Company