Multi-Stop Estimation options

When you run multi-stop estimation with Network Optimization, you can calibrate the results using the available options.

Run Multi-Stop Estimation With NO

When this switch is turned on, multi-stop estimation is run as part of Network Optimization. The results of Multi-Stop Estimation are used as the Fixed Shipment Cost in the Modes table if a multi-stop estimation vehicle cost is populated in that column. To set this value in a scenario, select “Run Multi-Stop Estimation with NO” as the field from the Network Optimization Options table and select "Yes".

Number of Cost Function Distance Points

You use this as a step function for the distance between drops range. The larger this value, the bigger the matrix of calculated costs in terms of the distance breaks. Default: 10. To set this value in a scenario, select “Number of Cost Function Distance Points” as the field from the Network Optimization Options table and enter a positive integer value.

Number of Cost Function Drop Size Points

You use this as a step function for the drop size range. The larger this value, the bigger the matrix of calculated costs in terms of the shipment size breaks. Default: 10. To set this value in a scenario, select “Number of Cost Function Drop Size Points” as the field from the Network Optimization Options table and enter a positive integer value.

Multi-Stop Apportioning Type

Select whether multi-stop apportioning is automatic or manual. When set to "Automatic", the apportioning is weighted 50/50 in terms of quantity or drop frequency. When set to "Manual", you can control how the apportioning is weighted. Use the Multi-Stop Apportionment To Quantity setting to adjust the apportionment. Default: Manual. To set this value in a scenario, select “Multi-Stop Apportioning Type” as the field from the Network Optimization Options table and select either "Manual" or "Automatic".

Multi-Stop Apportionment To Quantity

Use this option to specify percentage apportioned to quantity. When this is set to 100, the cost is apportioned by quantity only. When this is set to 30, the apportioning is 30% to quantity and 70% to drop (frequency). This option applies only if Multi-Stop Apportioning Type is set to Manual. Default: 50. To set this value in a scenario, select “Multi-Stop Apportionment To Quantity” as the field from the Network Optimization Options table and enter a numeric value between 0 and 100.

Distance Conversion Factor

This is the circuity factor used for calculating distances between locations. It basically represents a factor for the circuity of the earth. You can adjust this factor for areas where geographic features such as mountains or bodies of water cause the actual distance to be greater. Default: 1.18. To set this value in a scenario, select “Distance Conversion Factor” as the field from the Network Optimization Options table and enter a numeric value.

Minimum Distance Between Drop Points (KM)

Specify the minimum distance, in kilometers, between drop points. In effect, this is the minimum break point defined in the cost matrix. The value is in kilometers as this is the unit the multi-stop estimation uses when calculating the matrix. Default: 1. To set this value in a scenario, select “Minimum Distance Between Drop Points (KM)” as the field from the Network Optimization Options table and enter a numeric value.

Use Transport Region Override Area

When this option is selected, use the Area Override value from the Transportation Regions table for calculations. Default: False. To set this value in a scenario, select “Use Transport Region Override Area” as the field from the Network Optimization Options table and select "True".

Use Transport Region Override IDD

When this option is selected use the Distance Override value from the Transportation Regions table for calculations. Default: False. To set this value in a scenario, select “Use Transport Region Override IDD” as the field from the Network Optimization Options table and select "True".

Use Vehicle Type Override IDD

When this option is selected, the Inter Drop Distance as defined in the Multi-Stop Estimation Vehicle Cost table is considered when generating the multi-stop estimation matrix. Default: False. To set this value in a scenario, select “Use Vehicle Type Override IDD” as the field from the Network Optimization Options table and select "True".