Integrated transportation – inventory models: A review

As decision-making practices in industry shift from isolated, unilateral department decisions to multiparty supply chain planning, integrated modelling techniques have risen in popularity. Models that simultaneously address transportation and inventory decisions have been of particular interest. This article reviews Integrated Transportation-Inventory (ITI) models developed over the last two decades for various supply chain configurations. Recurring topics in such models are discussed and those growing in popularity are identified. Features and constraints inherent in ITI models are categorized and analysed. Finally, research gaps are highlighted with a focus on further aligning academic interests with current and emerging industry practices.