Economic Imorovement On Order
Economic Imorovement On Order
Economic Imorovement On Order
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Samithambe Senthilnathan
PhD (Business/Finance), MSc (Mgmt.), CMA (Aus.)
Independent Academic Consultant, New Zealand
http://ssrn.com/abstract=3475239
ECONOMIC ORDER QUANTITY (EOQ)
Samithambe Senthilnathan
1. INTRODUCTION
Various aspects are very important in warehouse management system, such as inventory
management, warehouse maintenance, overhead management, pricing systems, etc. However,
determining optimal ordering quantity is one of the main aspects in inventory management that can
facilitate the inventory management to run with optimal cost. In this context, this paper is devised to
illustrate the basic model of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) from a learner’s point of view.
The purpose of determining the EOQ is to minimise the Total Incremental Cost (TIC), beyond the cost
of purchasing, in consideration of two main total costs: Total Ordering Cost (TOC) and Total Handling
Cost (THC). 1 In this context, this paper highlights two basic methods of determining the EOQ: Trial
and error method and Mathematical approach. However, in this illustration, mathematical model is
highly emphasised to enhance the inventory management applications.
As further explanations, EOQ related other measures also illustrated supports to the inventory
management system, mainly the relationships of EOQ to Economic Number of Orders (ENO), length of
inventory cycle, and reorder point of quantity stored. As a contextual explanation of EOQ, this paper
has been following with: Definition and determination of EOQ, Extensions of EOQ with other related
concerns and Concluding remarks.
1 An incremental cost is the difference in total costs as the result of a change in some activity. Incremental costs are also referred to
as the differential costs and they may be the relevant costs (source: https://www.accountingcoach.com/blog/what-is-an-
incremental-cost).
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2. DEFINITION AND DETERMINATION OF ECONOMIC ORDER QUANTITY (EOQ)
Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) is an inventory management system that demonstrates the quantity
of an item to reduce the total cost of both handling of inventory (Handling Cost) and order processing
(Ordering Cost). EOQ as a model has been introduced in 1913 by Ford W. Harris; and R. H. Wilson and
K. Andler are given credit for their in-depth analysis and application of the EOQ model (Hax and
Candea, 1984).
With respect to an item to be ordered, from a business point of view, the EOQ model establishes the
amount of quantity to be placed in an order in consideration of minimising the annual total cost of
inventory handling and order processing. In this context, these specific two types of costs are the main
categories of determining the EOQ in its basic explanation. However, the model has been presented
with certain assumptions for the initial understanding; and from that point onward, its extensions are
used widely in businesses, especially in inventory management.
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the period, irrespective the number of orders to be placed. As the ordering cost per order is constant,
the relationship between the quantity ordered and number of orders to be placed is negative, i.e.,
higher the quantity ordered (Q) per order, lower the number of orders to be placed; and lower the
quantity ordered (Q) per order, higher the number of orders to be placed. This implies the negative
relationship between the quantity ordered (Q) and total cost of order processing (TOC) as in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Figure 2:
Negative Relationship between Total Ordering Cost Positive Relationship between Total Handling Cost
(TOC) and Quantity to be ordered (Q) (THC) and Quantity to be ordered (Q) for storing
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As TOC has negative relationship to quantity to be ordered and THC has positive relationship to
quantity to be ordered, the total minimum cost of both TOC and THC is the intersection point of both
cost lines that can produce: (a) the total cost of both TOC and THC as minimum as possible; and (b)
the number of quantities to be ordered (known as EOQ) to meet the minimised cost (see Figure 3).
Combined cost of
TOC and THC THC
Cost in $
TOC
Economic Order Q
Quantity (EOQ): Q*
Notably, from purchasing point of view, TOC and THC are the additional costs, which incur above cost
of a material purchased. Therefore, the aggregation of both costs (TOC and THC) are known as Total
Incremental Cost, i.e., TIC = TOC + THC. In the context of EOQ, TOC and THC are the additional costs
incurring beyond the original purchasing cost of an item.2
Generally, there are two basic methods to determine the EOQ.: (a) Trial and Error method in
combination of graphical representation; and (b) Mathematical Approach – this is widely used popular
method. These methods can be explained with an exhibit for easy understanding.
Exhibit 1
Consider a small production process, which need sawdust as raw material. The production process
requires 20,000 cubic meters (m3) annually. If an order is to be placed, every order can cost $ 50.00
and the cost of handling one unit of cubic meter is $ 2.
2 An incremental cost is the difference in total costs as the result of a change in some activity. Incremental costs are also referred to
as the differential costs and they may be the relevant costs (source: https://www.accountingcoach.com/blog/what-is-an-
incremental-cost).
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Cost per order (CO) = $ 50.00 and Handling cost per unit (CH) = $ 2.00
Following table can produce various possible number of cubic meters of sawdust to be ordered (this
should be assumed independently) and the related cost calculations.3
Table 1: Various number of cubic meters (quantity) and related cost calculations
Average
Ordering No. of
Stock to Total Ordering Cost Total Handling Cost Total Incremental Cost
Quantity Orders
handle (TOC) @ $50 (THC) @ $2 (TIC = TOC + THC)
(Q) (N = D/Q)
(Q/2)
250 80 125 4,000.00 250.00 4,250.00
400 50 200 2,500.00 400.00 2,900.00
500 40 250 2,000.00 500.00 2,500.00
1000 20 500 1,000.00 1,000.00 2,000.00
2000 10 1000 500.00 2,000.00 2,500.00
2500 8 1250 400.00 2,500.00 2,900.00
4000 5 2000 250.00 4,000.00 4,250.00
From the table, it is possible to observe that the (last) column TIC has a minimum of $ 2000.00, where
TOC = THC = $ 1000.00 and the quantity Q = 1000. The information available in the table can be shown
in a diagram with all three costs: TIC, TOC and THC (see Figure 4).
Figure 4: Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) with TOC, THC and TIC
4,500.00
4,000.00
3,500.00
3,000.00
Cost in $
2,500.00
TIC
2,000.00
1,500.00
TOC = THC
1,000.00
500.00
-
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
EOQ
Order Quantity in number of cubes (m 3)
3 As various quantities are assumed independently for table formulation, this method is called trial and error method.
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Using the same information of Exhibit 1, the following deals with the mathematical approach, which
is widely used in determining the EOQ in inventory control system.
The basics of mathematical model therefore need to be illustrated to determine the EOQ to have
minimum of TIC. Accordingly, it is important to determine total individual cost of both (TOC and THC),
in terms of quantities to be ordered and handled.
THC = Cost per unit for handling . (Average quantity maintained in store for a year)
𝑄𝐶𝐻
THC = CH . (Q/2) = 2
𝐷𝐶𝑂 𝑄𝐶𝐻
This results in TIC = TOC + THC = 𝑄
+ 2
As this function TIC depends on the quantity ordered (Q) to minimise the total cost, the function needs
to be differentiated with respect to Q.
2𝐷𝐶𝑂
𝑄= √ and this must be confirmed for minimising the TIC.
𝐶𝐻
To confirm the minimisation of TIC for a value of Q, the second derivative of TIC should be greater
than zero for the value of Q.
As such, from the first derivative, the second derivative of TIC must result in
𝑑2 (𝑇𝐼𝐶) 2𝐷𝐶𝑂 𝑑 2 (𝑇𝐼𝐶)
= and for a value of Q, > 0.
𝑑𝑄 2 𝑄3 𝑑𝑄 2
Therefore, TIC optimally produce a minimum cost for the value of Q* (where Q* = EOQ).
Now, we can substitute the values available in Exhibit 1, where Annual Demand (D) = 20000 m3 for
the sawdust, Cost per order (CO) = $ 50.00 and Handling cost per unit (CH) = $ 2.00.
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𝑑(𝑇𝐼𝐶) (−20000) . (50)
Differentiating TIC with respect to Q can result in 𝑑𝑄
= 𝑄2
+ 1
𝑑(𝑇𝐼𝐶)
For an optimum of TIC with respect to Q, 𝑑𝑄
= 0.
(−20000) . (50)
i.e., 0= 𝑄2
+ 1 and solving for Q can result in
It is now possible to note that the number of orders to be place for the year is
(D/Q*) = (20000/1000) = 20, to have the optimal TIC.
Q* = EOQ =1000 can be applied to determine the TOC, THC and TIC.
(20000) . (50) 𝑄 . (2) (1000) . (2)
TOC = (1000)
= $ 1000, THC = 2
= 2
= $ 1000
Explicitly, the results are obvious about the trade off point of Q (as EOQ) between the costs of TOC and
THC as equal; and the TIC results in at the minimum of the sum of costs (TOC + THC).
3.1 Determining TIC with Demand (D), per Order Cost (CO) and per unit product Handling Cost (CH)
𝐷𝐶𝑂 𝑄𝐶𝐻 2𝐷𝐶𝑂
As TIC = TOC + THC = 𝑄
+ 2
and EOQ = Q* = √ 𝐶𝐻
, now Quantity (Q) in the TIC function
2𝐷𝐶𝑂
can be represented with EOQ = Q*. Therefore, Q can be substituted with √ 𝐶𝐻
. This can result in
2𝐷𝐶𝑂 𝐶2
𝐻
2𝐷𝐶𝑂
∗ 𝐶𝐻 √
√ 𝐶𝐻 𝐷2 𝐶𝑂2 𝐶𝐻 2
𝐷𝐶𝑂 𝑄 ∗ 𝐶𝐻 𝐷𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝐻 𝐷𝐶𝑂 2𝐷𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝐻
TIC = 𝑄∗
+ 2
= ( 2𝐷𝐶
+ 2
)= 2𝐷𝐶
+ 2
= (√ 2𝐷𝐶𝑂
+√ 4𝐷𝐶𝐻
)
√ 𝐶 𝑂 √ 𝐶 𝑂
𝐻 𝐻
( )
𝐷𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝐻 𝐷𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝐻 𝐷𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝐻 4∗ 𝐷𝐶𝑂 𝐶𝐻
TIC = (√ 2
+ √ 2
) = (2 ∗ √ 2
) = √ 2
TIC = √2. 𝐷. 𝐶𝑂 . 𝐶𝐻
As in Exhibit 1, Annual Demand (D) = 20000 m3 for the sawdust, Cost per order (CO) = $ 50.00 and
Handling cost per unit (CH) = $ 2.00,
TIC = √(2) . (20000) . (50) . (2) = √4,000,000 = $ 2000.
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3.2 Transforming EOQ into Economic (Optimum) Number of Orders (ENO)
When EOQ (Q*) is determined and termed as optimal quantity to minimise the TIC, the number of
orders for the year can be determined as Demand (D) divided by EOQ (i.e., N = D/Q*). This in other
term can be interpreted that the Economic (optimal) Number of Orders (ENO = N*) can provide the
minimum TIC. In this context, Q can be substituted in terms of N and the mathematical approach can
be extended to determine the Economic Number of Orders (ENO) and TIC relatively, as shown below.
TOC = N . CO
THC = Cost per unit for handling . (Average quantity maintained in store for a year)
𝑄𝐶𝐻
THC = CH . (Q/2) = 2
and as N = (D/Q),
𝐷𝐶𝐻
THC = CH . (Q/2) = 2𝑁
𝐷𝐶𝐻
This results in TIC = TOC + THC = (𝑁. 𝐶𝑂 + 2𝑁
)
As this function TIC depends on the quantity ordered (Q) to minimise the total cost, the function needs
to be differentiated with respect to N.
𝐷𝐶
𝑁= √ 𝐻 and this must be confirmed for minimising the TIC.
2𝐶 𝑂
To confirm the minimisation of TIC for a value of N, the second derivative of TIC should be greater
than zero for the value of N.
As such, from the first derivative, the second derivative of TIC must result in
𝑑2 (𝑇𝐼𝐶) 𝐷𝐶𝐻 𝑑 2 (𝑇𝐼𝐶)
= and for a value of Q, > 0.
𝑑𝑁2 𝑁3 𝑑𝑁2
Therefore, TIC optimally produce a minimum cost for the value of N* (where N* = ENO).
As in Exhibit 1, Annual Demand (D) = 20000 m3 for the sawdust, Cost per order (CO) = $ 50.00 and
Handling cost per unit (CH) = $ 2.00, and substituting these values in
𝐷𝐶 (20000) . (2)
N* = √ 𝐻 = √ (2) . (50)
= 20.
2𝐶 𝑂
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With respect to the number of orders to be placed, ENO can be found can be represented in a diagram
with TOC, THC and TIC, respectively (see Table 2 and Figure 5).
Figure 5: Economic Number of Orders (ENO) with TOC, THC and TIC
4,500.00
4,000.00
3,500.00
3,000.00
Cost in $
2,500.00
TIC
2,000.00
1,500.00
TOC = THC
1,000.00
500.00
-
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
ENO
Number of Orders to be placed
It is now possible to note that the number of quantities (known as EOQ in other term) to be placed in
an order is (D/N*) = (20000/20) = 1000, to have the optimal TIC.
3.3 Length of inventory cycle (provided with daily usage ‘d’ of the product)
Length of inventory cycle is a measure that gives a time period how long a batch of EOQ can last in the
storage. As production/supply of the items takes place, the daily usage (d) of the item becomes
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reduction in the EOQ stored. Therefore, length of inventory cycle indicated how many times (T) of
daily usage of the item in total equates the EOQ.
Therefore, EOQ = T . d where T = length of inventory cycle and d = daily usage of the item.
𝐸𝑂𝑄 𝑄∗
𝑻=( ) = (𝑑)
𝑑
Note that the daily usage should have been provided with certainty (consider it as an assumption).
Referring to the information above, EOQ = 1000 units and assume daily use (d) of the item is 100 units.
𝐸𝑂𝑄 1000
Therefore, length of inventory cycle 𝑻 = ( ) = ( 100 ) = 10 days.
𝑑
3.5 Reorder point quantity (provided with lead-time for stock replenishment)
The reorder point quantity/stock level of an item is measure at which the product needs an order
placement for the replenishment of the stock, as for not to interrupt the trade operations. In other
term, it is the stock level to use during the lead-time of stock replenishment. After the immediate
replenishment of EOQ, daily usage of the product is taken from the stock in the store. In this context,
reorder point can be determined in consideration of daily usage (d), lead-time of replenishing the EOQ
(TL) and safety stock (GS)of the product/item.
As previously stated, consider again the daily usage d = 100 units and the lead time TL = 6 days.
Accordingly, the reorder level ROL = (d).(TL) = (100).(6) = 600 units. This implies that when the stock
level is at 600 units a new order of EOQ need to be placed to get it after 6 days as immediate
replenishment, and available 600 units can meet the 6 days requirements at the daily usage of 100
units (see Figure 6).
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Figure 6: Daily stock level and Reorder Level (ROL) without safety stock
1200
EOQ
Quantity of the product
1000
800
ROL
600
400
200
Dates of Operations
When we consider a safety stock level GS = 200 units of the product as an additional information, the
reorder level ROL = (d).(TL) + (GS) = (100).(6) + 200 = 800 units. This is to safeguard the daily
operations of the firm in case of expected delay of two (2) days for replenishing the stock ordered
(EOQ). This implies that a deviation of additional two days to the lead time cannot have impacts on
continuing operations of the firm (see Figure 7).
Figure 7: Daily stock level and Reorder Level (ROL) with safety stock
1400
EOQ
Quantity of the product
1200
1000
ROL
800
600
400
Safety Stock Level
200
0
Dates of Operations
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Further, there is a possibility of having irregular daily usage of the product/item. In this case, it is wise
to have the maximum daily usage of the product to determine its ROL. This always happen when there
is uncertainty of daily usage with varying demands, considering maximum usage of the item can
facilitate the continuing operations. In case of ‘No Safety Stock’, ROL = (Maximum of d).(TL); and if
‘With Safety Stock’, ROL = (Maximum of d).(TL) + (GS).
4. CONCLUDING REMARKS
In inventory management, determination of EOQ is an important measure to regulate other concerns
in warehouse management. Main objective of determining the EOQ is to minimise the total
incremental cost (TOC and THC) that incur beyond the cost of purchasing the product. In this context,
this paper attempts to highlight two basic methods of determining the EOQ: Trial and Error Method
and Mathematical Approach. However, it is advisable to apply mathematical approach to make
decisions objectively.
This paper has more explanations on mathematical approach of EOQ and further explanations are also
provided with the relationships of EOQ to Economic Number of Orders (ENO), length of inventory
cycle, and reorder point of quantity stored. This paper is contextually presented for the learners of
EOQ within its assumptions. However, the assumptions themselves become the limitations of the
model. This explanation can be extended in particular by analysing: (a) How an EOQ measure can be
determined where TOC ≠ THC, (b) What will happen, if per order cost and/or per unit handling cost is
dependent on EOQ/ENO, (c) What will happen to EOQ, if discount is allowed, and (d) Sensitivity
Analysis, relatively. Considering them, this paper can provide a base those extensions.
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