Demand management in a multi-stage distribution chain

In this paper we discuss demand management problems in a multi-stage distribution chain.We focus on distribution chains where demand processes have high variability due to a few large customer orders.We give a possible explanation, and suggest two simple procedures that help to smooth demand.It is shown that these procedures yield stock reductions of 40%-50% in practical situations.The quantitative results are based on the analysis of the underlying model related to the two procedures proposed, called large order overflow, applicable if the supplying organization executes a multi-stage distribution chain, and delivery splitting, applicable to any situation.