# Bullwhip effect attenuation in supply chain management via control-theoretic tools and short-term forecasts: A preliminary study with an application to perishable inventories

## TL;DR

This paper explores control-theoretic methods combined with short-term forecasting to reduce the bullwhip effect in supply chains, especially for perishable inventories, supported by simulations.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel integration of Smith predictors, model-free control, and time series forecasting for supply chain control, addressing perishable inventory challenges.

## Key findings

- Bullwhip effect can be attenuated using the proposed control approach.
- Simulation results demonstrate effectiveness in key scenarios.
- Perishable inventories are effectively managed with the new methods.

## Abstract

Supply chain management and inventory control provide most exciting examples of control systems with delays. Here, Smith predictors, model-free control and new time series forecasting techniques are mixed in order to derive an efficient control synthesis. Perishable inventories are also taken into account. The most intriguing "bullwhip effect" is explained and attenuated, at least in some important situations. Numerous convincing computer simulations are presented and discussed.