Invoke Container Optimization for Ground Schedules

This feature enhances the consolidation logic used with Ground Schedules to include the Conopt algorithm capabilities, including 3D.  This additional capability provides you the option to invoke Conopt as part of your Ground Schedule Bulk Planning to provide more efficient and accurate packing solutions when the problem being solved requires a packing solution that goes beyond just considering total weight, volume and ERUs.

The option to Invoke Container Optimization has been provided for all three Ground Schedule Schedule Types - Detachable, Dynamic and Static.  To invoke container optimization for your Ground Schedule shipments, all that is required is that you check to Invoke Container Optimization check box on your Ground Schedule, as shown below and then configure your Conopt Config accordingly..

Ground Schedule - Invoke Container Optimization

In the example below, the Ground Schedule has been configured to Invoke Container Optimization with 3D resulting in the Load Configuration View below

Invoke Container Optimization Single Equipment

Combination Equipment Group

In the example below, the Ground Schedule has been configured with a Combination Equipment Group, previously your Ground Schedules could not be configured to use Combination Equipment Groups, now, with the Invoke Container Optimization option selected, you have the option to have your Ground Schedules configured to use Combination Equipment Groups. The Combination Equipment Group supports two Child Equipment Groups - a 48 Foot and 53 Foot dry van.

Combination Equipment Group

When this Ground Schedule is used in planning, when necessary, both Child Equipment Groups will/can be used in the solution, as shown below using the Buy Shipment Actions > Operational Planning > View > Edit Load Config or Load Config view. 

Combination Equipment Group - Select Child Equipment Group on Ground Schedule Shipment

Below is the first Child Equipment Group, the 48FT_Trailer.

 

Combination Equipment Group - Child Equipment Group 48FT_Trailer

Below is the second Child Equipment Group, the 53FT_Trailer.

Combination Equipment Group - Select Child Equipment Group 53FT_Trailer

Compartments

In the example below, the Ground Schedule has been configured to use a multi-compartment equipment group. With equipment groups with compartments order bundles added to the ground schedule shipment can split into different compartments.

Multi-Compartment Equipment Group

This feature extends the logic used to pack your Ground Schedule shipments to provide improved solution quality in situations where additional packing logic is required to avoid either infeasible packing solutions (over packed) or to improve the utilization of the packing opportunities available for your ground schedule shipments.

If Invoke If is_invoke_conopt = true, ignore capacity on the ground schedule does not apply, i.e., equipment capacity is always checked. = true, ignore capacity on the ground schedule does not apply, i.e., equipment capacity is always checked.

Steps to Enable

Property glog.groundschedule.invokeConopt

Add 'Invoke Container Optimization' field on the ground schedule screen. This is controlled by a web-tier property 'glog.groundschedule.invokeConopt' and will only display when the property is set to 'true'. The property defaults to 'false' and will be removed in 26A.

Tips And Considerations

To add to your Ground Schedules that have been configured with the Invoke Container Optimization option checked, you must include both the orders to add along with the previously loaded orders in the plan to have the load added to using Conopt.

If Invoke Container Optimization is checked, then ignore capacity on the Ground Schedule does not apply, i.e., equipment capacity is always checked.