Nonlinear inventory control with discrete sliding modes in systems with multiple delayed supply options

In this paper, the concept of discrete sliding modes (DSMs) is applied to develop an efficient control strategy for a class of perturbed processes with delay - goods flow control in supply chain. In the considered systems, the stock used to satisfy the unknown, time-varying demand placed at a goods distribution center is replenished with delay from a number of supply sources. In the analyzed setting, the order quantity is fixed leaving the time between the consecutive orders as a decision variable, which perfectly suits the switching nature of input signals obtained in DSM control systems. It is proved that with the proposed strategy applied the stock level does not exceed the assigned storage space and full demand satisfaction is achieved.