Denna undersökning handlar om hur data för ett lagerhanteringssystem, inom oljebranschen, kan lagras på ett mer effektivt sätt. Med hjälp av en databasmodell bidrar den här rapporten genom att visa nya lagringsmöjligheter som finns för företaget Preem. Förutom det ger undersökningen, bland annat, svar på hur skillnader mellan uppgiven (enligt leverantören) och uppmätt drivmedelsvolym för utförda leveranser kan beräknas, med hjälp av att begära information från en databas. Genom en bättre utförd datalagring kommer det vara lättare att hantera ett lager och kunna upptäcka när ett fel uppstår, som gör att informationen om volymen i lagret ändras felaktigt. Ett vanligt existerande problem är att två källor anger två olika resultat som berör lagermängden. Rapporten innehåller två framtagna databasmodeller samt inkluderar de teoretiska fakta som krävs för att förstå sådana modeller, och att kunna få en uppfattning för hur en sådan modell implementeras som en databas. Exempel på sådan information är vad en databas är, hur modellering av en sådan går till, bland mycket annat. Samtidigt framhåller denna undersökning idéer på vad det finns för fortsatta utvecklingsmöjligheter för Preem. / The purpose of this research is to study how a stock management system within the oil industry can be stored in a more efficient way. With the use of a database model, this study will show new data storage possibilities for Preem (one of the largest fuel companies in Sweden). The research will determine the difference between the fuel volume stated (by the supplier) and the measured volume (in the tank), by requesting information from a new designed database. With more effective data storage it will be easier to manage stock and to detect errors, which can interfere with the information about the volume in stock. Having two different sources of information that can give two different results for the stock quantity, causes these errors. The report contains two developed database models as well as the theoretical facts that is necessary for understanding such models and their implementation as a database. For example gives a definition of a database, and a description of the modelling process. This research is concluded by some recommendations for Preem’s future progress for the system.

Dans cette thèse, nous avons étudié les problèmes de décisions séquentielles, avec comme application la gestion de stocks d'énergie. Traditionnellement, ces problèmes sont résolus par programmation dynamique stochastique. Mais la grande dimension, et la non convexité du problème, amènent à faire des simplifications sur le modèle pour pouvoir faire fonctionner ces méthodes.Nous avons donc étudié une méthode alternative, qui ne requiert pas de simplifications du modèle: Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS). Nous avons commencé par étendre le MCTS classique (qui s’applique aux domaines finis et déterministes) aux domaines continus et stochastiques. Pour cela, nous avons utilisé la méthode de Double Progressive Widening (DPW), qui permet de gérer le ratio entre largeur et profondeur de l’arbre, à l’aide de deux méta paramètres. Nous avons aussi proposé une heuristique nommée Blind Value (BV) pour améliorer la recherche de nouvelles actions, en utilisant l’information donnée par les simulations passées. D’autre part, nous avons étendu l’heuristique RAVE aux domaines continus. Enfin, nous avons proposé deux nouvelles méthodes pour faire remonter l’information dans l’arbre, qui ont beaucoup amélioré la vitesse de convergence sur deux cas tests.Une part importante de notre travail a été de proposer une façon de mêler MCTS avec des heuristiques rapides pré-existantes. C’est une idée particulièrement intéressante dans le cas de la gestion d’énergie, car ces problèmes sont pour le moment résolus de manière approchée. Nous avons montré comment utiliser Direct Policy Search (DPS) pour rechercher une politique par défaut efficace, qui est ensuite utilisée à l’intérieur de MCTS. Les résultats expérimentaux sont très encourageants.Nous avons aussi appliqué MCTS à des processus markoviens partiellement observables (POMDP), avec comme exemple le jeu de démineur. Dans ce cas, les algorithmes actuels ne sont pas optimaux, et notre approche l’est, en transformant le POMDP en MDP, par un changement de vecteur d’état.Enfin, nous avons utilisé MCTS dans un cadre de méta-bandit, pour résoudre des problèmes d’investissement. Le choix d’investissement est fait par des algorithmes de bandits à bras multiples, tandis que l’évaluation de chaque bras est faite par MCTS.Une des conclusions importantes de ces travaux est que MCTS en continu a besoin de très peu d’hypothèses (uniquement un modèle génératif du problème), converge vers l’optimum, et peut facilement améliorer des méthodes suboptimales existantes. / In this thesis, we study sequential decision making problems, with a focus on the unit commitment problem. Traditionally solved by dynamic programming methods, this problem is still a challenge, due to its high dimension and to the sacrifices made on the accuracy of the model to apply state of the art methods. We investigate on the applicability of Monte Carlo Tree Search methods for this problem, and other problems that are single player, stochastic and continuous sequential decision making problems. We started by extending the traditional finite state MCTS to continuous domains, with a method called Double Progressive Widening (DPW). This method relies on two hyper parameters, and determines the ratio between width and depth in the nodes of the tree. We developed a heuristic called Blind Value (BV) to improve the exploration of new actions, using the information from past simulations. We also extended the RAVE heuristic to continuous domain. Finally, we proposed two new ways of backing up information through the tree, that improved the convergence speed considerably on two test cases.An important part of our work was to propose a way to mix MCTS with existing powerful heuristics, with the application to energy management in mind. We did so by proposing a framework that allows to learn a good default policy by Direct Policy Search (DPS), and to include it in MCTS. The experimental results are very positive.To extend the reach of MCTS, we showed how it could be used to solve Partially Observable Markovian Decision Processes, with an application to game of Mine Sweeper, for which no consistent method had been proposed before.Finally, we used MCTS in a meta-bandit framework to solve energy investment problems: the investment decision was handled by classical bandit algorithms, while the evaluation of each investment was done by MCTS.The most important take away is that continuous MCTS has almost no assumption (besides the need for a generative model), is consistent, and can easily improve existing suboptimal solvers by using a method similar to what we proposed with DPS.

[pt] Apesar de existir na literatura modelos propostos para gestão de estoques, as premissas consideradas por tais modelos podem inviabilizar suas aplicações. Este trabalho propõe uma metodologia de programação estocástica para reposição e controle de estoques de produto único numa rede logística de duas camadas. O enfoque revisão periódica proposto pode considerar tanto atendimentos à demanda em atraso (backorders) como vendas perdidas (lost sales) sem restrição de pedidos pendentes. Além disso, a fim de alcançar um melhor nível de serviço para o cliente, é introduzida uma regra de rateio proporcional a quantidade faltante do item em estoque no centro de distribuição para atender simultaneamente a demanda de todos os varejistas, a qual é capaz de lidar com as alocações negativas da falta. A periodicidade e o nível alvo da posição dos estoques são determinados através de modelos de programação estocástica de dois estágios e de uma técnica baseada em simulação de Monte Carlo, conhecida como Sample Average Approximation, que levam em conta a natureza incerta dos níveis de demanda pelo item por meio da geração de conjuntos finitos de cenários. Os equivalentes determinísticos são apresentados como modelos de programação não-linear inteira mista e em seguida linearizados. Experimentos numéricos com a metodologia proposta para instâncias do problema geradas aleatoriamente demonstram seu potencial ao obter resultados com erros de aproximadamente 1 por cento. / [en] Although several methods for inventory management are proposed in the literature, the required assumptions can hinder their application in practice. This work proposes a methodology for stock replenishment in two-echelon logistic networks through stochastic programming, considering a single item, periodic review and uncertain demands. The proposed approach is flexible enough to consider backlogs and lost sales cases without limitations on the number of outstanding orders. Also, in order to achieve better customer service, we introduce a variable rationing rule for quantities of the item in short at the distribution center to meet simultaneously all the demands of the retailers, dealing with imbalances or negative allocations of quantities of the item in short. The optimal review periodicity and the target level for inventory position are determined through two-stage stochastic programming models and a Monte Carlo simulation based-technique, known as Sample Average Approximation, which takes into account the uncertain nature of the item demand levels through the generation of finite sets of scenarios. The deterministic equivalent models are presented as mixed-integer non-linear programming models, which are then linearized. Numerical experiments with the proposed approach for instances of the problem randomly generated shows its potential, as the errors of the obtained results are around 1 percent.

Household food waste levels pose a considerable problem in terms of sustainability. Food stock management applications for smartphones are interventions that support people in planning and keeping an overview of their food stock in order to reduce food waste. So far mainly their usability and effectiveness for reduction of food waste have been researched in HCI. This study aimed at investigating how these applications are being integrated into people’s food practices, and how their features contributed to the integration. In a three-week long field study seven participants used one of two applications in their daily lives. Through interviews and diary entries it was observed that some people integrated the applications into their food practices to replace other actions like checking one’s food stock. New connections to the food practices were created through expiration reminders and providing means to check the food stock from a distance. Reminders were seen as helpful even if not always necessary and can be seen as an opportunity to further support the integration process. The main issues for the integration were the high-effort adding processes and remembering to update the inventory after consumption.

This thesis work aims to improve the stock management system of Excillum AB, a Stockholm-based company that specializes in high-performance X-ray sources. The current stock management system has limitations, resulting in gaps when managing the inventory. To address this, the study focuses on developing a calculation model that takes into account various factors such as the global supply chain, customer expectations, service offerings, and financial concerns. The research questions revolve around understanding best practices in stock management from other companies, considerations for stock selection and ordering decisions, and additional parameters to ensure accurate safety stock calculations. The research involves carrying out a literature review, benchmarking practices from other organizations, analyzing Excillum's transaction data, and developing a reliable calculation model. However, some limitations exist, such as relying on Excel for calculations rather than changing values within the ERP system, which reduces demand projection accuracy due to high product customization. Human factors and unavoidable supply chain disruptions are not specifically addressed in the recommended approach. The proposed calculation model aims to improve stock management efficiency, ensure product availability, reduce stockouts, and ultimately contribute to Excillum's growth goals while meeting customer demands. Excillum can optimize stock levels and streamline inventory management by incorporating best practices and taking into account critical factors, establishing the way for long-term success and improved customer satisfaction. / Detta examensarbete syftar till att förbättra lagerhanteringssystemet för Excillum AB, ett Stockholmsbaserat företag som är specialiserat på högpresterande röntgenkällor. Det nuvarande lagerhanteringssystemet har begränsningar, vilket resulterar i luckor vid hanteringen av lagret. För att komma till rätta med detta fokuserar studien på att utveckla en beräkningsmodell som tar hänsyn till olika faktorer såsom den globala leveranskedjan, kundernas förväntningar, tjänsteerbjudanden och ekonomiska problem. Forskningsfrågorna kretsar kring att förstå bästa praxis inom lagerhantering från andra företag, överväganden för aktieval och beställningsbeslut och ytterligare parametrar för att säkerställa korrekta beräkningar av säkerhetslager. Forskningen innebär att man genomför en litteraturgenomgång, benchmarking praxis från andra organisationer, analyserar Excillumstransaktionsdata och utvecklar en tillförlitlig beräkningsmodell. Det finns dock vissa begränsningar, som att förlita sig på Excel för beräkningar snarare än att ändra värden inom ERP-systemet, vilket minskar noggrannheten i efterfrågeprojekteringen på grund av hög produktanpassning. Mänskliga faktorer och oundvikliga störningar i försörjningskedjan behandlas inte specifikt i den rekommenderade metoden. Den föreslagna beräkningsmodellen syftar till att förbättra lagerhanteringseffektiviteten, säkerställa produkttillgänglighet, minska lagerutbudet och i slutändan bidra till Excillumstillväxtmål samtidigt som kundernas krav tillgodoses. Excillum kan optimera lagernivåer och effektivisera lagerhantering genom att införliva bästa praxis och ta hänsyn till kritiska faktorer, etablera vägen för långsiktig framgång och förbättrad kundnöjdhet.

Le but de ce travail est d’étudier le potentiel d’un bitume naturel (BN) extrait en Albanie pour la production des bitumes durs (BD) et des enrobés à module élevé (EME). Pour la production des BD, différentes techniques de raffinage du pétrole existent. Néanmoins, avec certains bruts pétroliers il est impossible de les fabriquer. De plus, les BD de raffinerie comportent souvent des défauts qui limitent leurs applications. Ces raisons, couplées à des questions d’approvisionnement, conduisent à chercher des méthodes de substitution. Dans ce contexte, il est intéressant d’utiliser des BN. Cette étude a montré que le BN d’Albanie donne des BD et des EME en conformité avec la Normalisation Européenne, résistants au vieillissement et performants aux basses températures. Un dosage adéquat permet de formuler des matériaux d’une dureté désirée en réponse des exigences techniques des applications routières visées tout en facilitant la gestion des stocks de bitumes dans les centrales d’enrobages. / The aim of this thesis is to study the potential of a natural bitumen (NB) mined in Albania in the production of hard bitumens (HB) and that of high modulus asphalt concrete (HMAC). Various petroleum refining techniques are available for the production of HB. Nevertheless, this is impossible with some crude oils. In addition, HB from refineries often present shortcomings which limit their applications. These reasons, coupled with practical issues related to HB supply, motivate the research of alternative methods. In this industrial context it is interesting to use NB. This study has shown that the Albanian NB provides HB and HMAC in accordance with European Standards, resistant to aging and relatively performant at low temperatures. The proper dosage of this NB allows the formulation of materials of desired properties, in response to the technical requirements of the considered road applications, facilitating in this way the use of bitumen stocks in asphalt concrete production plants.