Modelling Transportation Networks

There are three main methods of modeling transportation networks. All methods support a wide variety of transportation networks. The methods are:

Multi-leg Itinerary

Multi-leg itineraries represent the different shipments required to travel from source to destination. Has limitations for networks.

Multi-leg itineraries often requires the user to enumerate all the possible paths that may be used. In our example, it would take at least three itineraries to model just how to get from Chicago to Cleveland.

Single-leg Pool-Crossdock Itinerary

Pool-crossdock itinerary is where a single itinerary leg defines a single optional cross dock, and allows the choice either of multiple consolidation pools, or multiple deconsolidation pools. Has limitations for networks.

Pool-cross dock itineraries are limited to single cross dock cases, and to at most three shipments between source and destination. In the network routing example, there is a choice between two cross docks, so this case could not be modeled by a pool-crossdock itinerary.

Network Routing

Network routing allows for intelligently routing orders through transportation networks. This logic accounts for order volumes and synergies of flow when making routing decisions. Can be used for both order release planning and order movement planning. Very flexible. Avoids the limitations of the previous methods.