Distance calculation during optimizer planning vs. charge calculation

[Former Member]

Dear TM experts,

We have a requirement to use straight line distance during optimizer planning as there are performance concerns w.r.t. using our external GIS provider. However we still want to utilize the external provider for calculating distance as it is required for charge calculation. Is there a way we can achieve this, i.e. have optimizer use straight line but at some point later have TM call external service provider?

Best Regards,

KC

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hello,

Have you checked the white paper of GIS integration(SAP Note 1685381)?

Rgs, Marcelo

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Marcelo,

We used the same white paper to design our interface with Milemaker. The white paper explains how process controller could be configured and how the external provider could be integrated with TM. So our design for the distance calculation interface is based on the white paper. However the strategy is assigned to a document type so whatever strategy we assign will be executed irrespective of whether optimizer is involved or not.

Now that I come to think of it, may be I should assign a separate strategy to FU type with just the standard method. Since optimizer works on FUs, it will probably plan based on straight line distances. And if I assign another strategy to FO type with custom method that integrates with GIS provider, then FO should get actual distance.

Best Regards,

KC

[former_member186731 · Accepted solution]

Hello,

basically, the optimizer planning and stage distance calculation can be set-up differently to charge calculation. For the optimizer the distance determination strategy customizing is relevant, while for charge calculation there is the option to have a specific strategy determination using a calculation base class. Check the documentation for this or open a ticket on charge calc to get an explanation.

Actually, the development of the flexible GIS integration framework had the background to enable this scenario.

By the way, when using the standard buffering the performance issue for real distances during optimization should not be that huge. I would not recommend to use straight-line distance for optimization if you have a GIS at hand.

Marcus

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hello Marcus,

In a scenario when TZones are used as the basis of TL, it is possible to call the real distance during or before the OPT call without performance issues?

Kind Regards, Marcelo Lauria

[former_member186731 · Accepted solution]

It is not a question of TL on Zones level. The opt-preproc always determines the distance between all involved locations that are connected. And usually you define your connections fitting to your business, not the question if it is slow or not.

Performance issues should be handled with good buffering (pre-fill buffer as much as possible) and a very, very good implementation of the external GIS call. Here every invested minute to figure out the best solution together with the GIS vendor is a good minute.