Joint demand fulfillment probability in a multi-item inventory system with independent order-up-to policies

We consider a multi-item inventory system with dependent item demands represented by a multivariate normal distribution and filled under a First-Come-First-Served rule. Each item is managed independently through a periodic review order-up-to policy while all items have the same review cycle. We obtain the joint demand fulfillment probability within a pre-specified time window. We also study the problem of maximizing the joint demand fulfillment probability and discuss a heuristic approach in which equal safety factors (equal fractiles) are specified for all items. Finally we present numerical results and an application with actual data. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.