Working with scenarios

Scenarios are multiple versions of a single model that you can run one after another. Scenario items modify an existing parameter in the model, such as:

• a product cost
• distribution center availability
• production capabilities

You can use scenarios to change one or more values in your model tables or options. Each scenario can be run with the design engines, such as Network Optimization or Simulation. Output can be examined scenario-by-scenario as well, enabling you to compare the results of the changes you have made.

Additionally, scenarios support changes based on minimum, maximum and step sizes for value intervals. In this way, you can perform sensitivity analysis of one or more variables in your model.

You can use the powerful Scenario comparisons tool to compare the data between two scenarios in your model. Supply Chain Guru X highlights the differences between the two, making it easy to compare the results.

By default, each model has a scenario called “Baseline”. This scenario will always be in each model. However, you can rename it with a user-defined name (see Scenarios). The baseline scenario cannot be copied or deleted.

Create a scenario

1. Select Scenarios.

2. Click New Scenario.

3. Edit the scenario name as required. Keep the following naming recommendations in mind:

   • Do not include word such as "and" and "or" in the scenario name. These words can cause issues when filtering for scenario name (no records are returned). This is because "and" and "or" are reserved words for filter definitions. If you do include these words, you can enclose the scenario name in quotes in the filter definition (such as ='East and Central').

   • If you plan to run multiple scenarios through the Technology Actions in App Studio, do not include commas in the scenario name. The comma is used to separate multiple scenario names and will cause the run to fail or be ignored.

4. Add existing scenario items to the Selected Items list or create new scenario items as described in Creating scenario items.

5. Optionally, double-click on the scenario item (available or selected) to edit the item.

6. Optionally add Scenario Notes to describe the scenario.

   Do not include tab, linefeed or carriage return characters in Scenario Notes. For example, do not break the note text into multiple paragraphs. If these characters are in any scenario definition or other table records in the model, cloud solving will fail.

7. When you close the scenario definition, click Save Changes.

You create one or more scenario items, then add any combination of them to each scenario. To learn more, refer to:

• Creating scenario items
• Scenario actions
• Scenario item overview