AbstractThis article presents an analytic approach to the blood bank collection scheduling and inventory problem. Based on a specified allowable probability of shortage, the number of units to be collected is determined. A total of six cases are discussed and models for each case are proposed. The six cases arise because of the type of demand forecasts available, and because of the degree of control a blood bank has over its donors. Essentially, any kind of demand/supply situation is covered by the six cases.