Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, UCC held a 3 day workshop exploring recent advances in lot sizing. Organised, in conjunction with the Euro Working Group on Lot-Sizing, the 13th International Workshop on Lot Sizing took place on 23 – 25 August 2023 in University College Cork and was attended by 35 researchers and PhD students.

Lot-sizing refers to the activity of constructing production plans in which decisions have to be taken on the level and timing of production lots, usually for several different products at the same time. The objective is typically profit maximization, which in many cases boils down to minimizing the total costs while satisfying the customers’ demand. Lot-sizing is a central step in the optimization of overall supply chain activities. Efficient plans give companies a competitive advantage through lower costs and improved customer service and sustainability.

The workshop examined new approaches for classical lot sizing problems, new relevant problems, integration of lot sizing with other issues such as scheduling, distribution or vehicle routing. The workshop sessions covered topics such as Cutting-Stock, Sustainability, Multi-level Manufacturing and Inventory Control. Insight members: Andrea Balogh, Suheyl Gulecyuz, Barry O’Sullivan and Andrea Visentin delivered presentations and chaired sessions across the 3 days.

The event also provided a great opportunity for engaging with other researchers in this specialist field. A number of fantastic social events took place on each of the 3 days of the workshop creating a great platform for networking and developing the potential for future collaborations.