Optimization of a two-warehouse inventory model for perishable goods with freshness-sensitive demand, non-instantaneous deterioration, and hybrid payment schemes

Managing perishable goods in supply chains requires strategies that account for limited shelf life, consumer sensitivity to freshness, and flexible payment structures. Traditional inventory models often neglect these complexities, resulting in limited practical relevance. This study develops a comprehensive two-warehouse inventory model that incorporates non-instantaneous deterioration, freshness-sensitive demand, hybrid payment schemes, and partial backlogging during shortages. Numerical experiments and sensitivity analyses demonstrate that the proposed model achieves lower total costs and greater adaptability than conventional models by explicitly capturing the interactions among deterioration dynamics, freshness, and financial policies. The results highlight the significant role of freshness and advertisement in driving demand, the effectiveness of hybrid payments in enhancing financial flexibility, and the benefits of controlled backlogging in reducing overall costs. These insights provide practical guidance for industries such as food and pharmaceuticals, where balancing perishability, demand variability, and financial constraints is critical for effective inventory management.