How This Workflow Works
This workflow takes a list of items and user-defined constraints for each truck, then uses linear programming to optimize the allocation of items into the smallest number of trucks possible. It iteratively assigns items to trucks, ensuring all constraints are met, and provides an interactive dashboard for reviewing and downloading the optimized loading plan.
Key Features:
- Minimize the number of trucks required for a given set of items and constraints
- Automatically enforce truck-specific limits on item count, weight, and volume
- Generate a clear, constraint-respecting loading plan for each truck
- Visualize and download the optimized truck allocation for further analysis or operational use
Step-by-step:
1. Define Constraints and Prepare Data:
Users can upload their item list and specify the maximum allowable item count, weight, and volume per truck. The workflow reshapes and organizes this information so it’s ready for the optimization process.
2. Optimize Truck Allocation:
The workflow applies a linear programming solver to allocate items to trucks. For each iteration, it selects the best combination of items that fit within the defined constraints, assigns them to a truck, and labels them accordingly. Any items that can’t be assigned in the current round are carried forward to the next iteration, and the process repeats until all items are allocated.
3. Aggregate and Label Truck Loads:
After each allocation, the workflow groups items by truck, calculates total item count, weight, and volume for each truck, and assigns a unique truck ID. This ensures every truck’s load is clearly summarized and easy to review.
4. Visualize and Share Insights:
The workflow presents the optimized truck loads in an interactive dashboard, including visualizations such as a scatter plot and a bar chart. Users can review the allocation, explore key metrics, and download the final truck loading plan for operational use.