This topic was last updated on December 15, 2020
Below you’ll find a summary of the latest features in AIMMS Network Design (check out the release notes for a full overview).
Custom Costs
You can now configure custom cost elements to include in the optimization. These costs can be added at all points in the supply chain where physical costs are incurred. Example use cases are the addition of taxes and duties, carbon costs and inventory holding costs. Watch a demo.
Data Validation
We have added some data validation checks in Data Navigator that will pick up common data issues before saving the dataset, so that these can be fixed before running into infeasibility issues in the Network app. Examples are errors like spelling mistakes and other inconsistencies in the data template, demand greater than supply in the data, no lanes to meet demand, minimum capacity greater than maximum capacity, etc.
Expanded Control Panel
We have expanded the current control panel to give the user more options and control to configure a scenario from the control panel in the browser, instead of having to return to the Excel data template. For example, it is now possible to switch on minimum and maximum constraints separately from the control panel. It is also possible to edit key parameters like supply and resource capacities and costs directly from the control panel in the browser.
Excel Data Template
We have made some changes to the Excel data template to make it easier and more intuitive to capture data. For example:
- We have changed some column headings to be simpler, more descriptive and more intuitive
- We have split DC resources and production resources into separate tabs
- We have split transport data into separate tabs for costs, capacities, and trip time and duration data
Despite these changes, it will still be possible to upload old data templates that use the old format, subject to a warning message, so that users do not have to reconfigure old data templates.
Transport costing
We added further capability to model transport costs such as stepwise cost functions, and take or pay arrangements
Data separation
We added the ability to separate data between different business units and projects in the same environment.
UX 2.0: We are nearly complete with the UX (User Experience) upgrade for both Network Design and Center of Gravity, announced in last month’s product update. In January 2021, you can expect workflows, side panels, status bars and other enhancements that will improve the user experience in the apps.