An efficient blood supply chain network model with multiple echelons for managing outdated products

This study examines the lack of coordination between blood production and inventories in the blood supply chain networks. Prior studies neglect to optimize operational costs through blood production, inventory, and waste. We propose a mixed-integer linear programming approach addressing multiple echelons, types of blood, and blood bag shelf lifetime. The model is developed by determining the facility locations, assigning regional blood banks, and allocating the right products. Indonesia's blood supply chain is used as a case study to evaluate the applicability of the proposed model using optimization software. A sensitivity analysis is performed on production rate and patient demand to assess how these factors affect the overall cost of expired products. The results show that the proposed method's total cost and expired products are 4.69%–5.60% and 4.71%–5.75%, respectively. • Present an efficient blood supply chain model addressing outdated products. • Study strategies for managing outdated products in blood supply chains. • Use a multi-echelon approach to analyze the complexities of the blood supply chain. • Present a case study to contextualize findings and practical applications.