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Data Import Guide

This page will guide you through the process of preparing and importing your data into the tool. The input data is provided via an Excel spreadsheet, which contains the necessary information for the optimization process.

Sample File

To help you get started quickly, you can download a sample Excel file that follows the required structure.

Download Sample File

Using this template, you can easily replace the sample data with your own. Ensure that the data in each sheet is properly formatted and that all required fields are filled out correctly before importing the file into the Network Design tool.

Input Data Structure

The tool accepts data in an Excel file with three specific sheets:

  1. Parameters
  2. Customers
  3. Sites (optional)

Below, you'll find details on how to structure each sheet and what information is required.

1. Parameters

The Parameters sheet contains key settings that define how the optimization process should be conducted. The following parameters are required:

  • Minimum Number of Sites: The lower limit on the number of warehouses that must be included in the solution.
  • Maximum Number of Sites: The upper limit on the number of warehouses that the tool should consider in the optimization.
  • Minimum Candidate Sites: The minimum number of candidate warehouse locations that should be considered in the optimization. This is useful when limiting the selection to specific existing sites or known candidates.
  • Maximum Candidate Sites: The maximum number of candidate warehouse locations that the tool should consider when determining the optimal network. This helps define the range of possibilities in the candidate site selection.
  • Minimum Site Capacity: The minimum capacity that any warehouse should handle, ensuring that warehouses are utilized efficiently.
  • Maximum Site Capacity: The maximum capacity that any warehouse can handle, typically expressed in units like square meters, cubic meters, tonnes, or pallet positions.
  • Enforce Max Site Capacity: Specify whether the maximum warehouse capacity should be treated as a hard constraint. Use 1 for "Yes" and 0 for "No".
  • Maximum Service Distance: The maximum distance within which a certain percentage of demand should be served.
  • Minumum Service Coverage Percentage: The minimum percentage of demand that must be served within the specified maximum service distance.
  • Use Driving Distance: Indicate whether to use driving distance for calculations instead of straight-line distance. Use 1 for "Yes" and 0 for "No".
  • Default Site Cost: A default cost to apply when specific cost data is not available for certain sites.
  • Unit Transportation Cost: This parameter specifies the transportation cost per unit of demand per unit of distance. It is used in the optimization model to calculate the total transportation cost, following the formula: Total Transportation Cost = Demand Quantity × Distance × Unit Transportation Cost
  • Max Search Radius: If searching nearby warehouses, specify the maximum radius to search around gravity centers.

2. Customers

The Customers sheet lists all customers that the tool needs to consider during optimization. The following columns should be included:

  • Customer ID: A unique identifier for each customer.
  • Customer Address: (Optional) Full address of the customer's location.
  • Latitude: The latitude of the customer's location.
  • Longitude: The longitude of the customer's location.
  • Customer Demand: The quantity of products the customer requires.

3. Sites

The Sites sheet includes details of current and candidate warehouse locations. The tool will use this information to determine the best warehouse configuration. This sheet is not necessary when there are no candidate locations to be considered. When the sheet is present, the following columns are required:

  • Site ID: A unique identifier for each site (whether current or candidate).
  • Latitude: The latitude of the site location.
  • Longitude: The longitude of the site location.
  • Mandatory: Specify whether this site must be included in the solution. Use TRUE for "Yes" and FALSE for "No".

Importing the File

Once your Excel file is ready, follow these steps to import it into the Network Design tool:

  1. Navigate to the Workbench Page: Start by navigating to the Workbench page of the tool, where you can manage and upload files.

  2. Click the Create File Button: On the Workbench page, click the Create File button to begin the process of uploading your input file.

  3. Fill Out the Details:

    • Name: Enter a name for the file, which will help you identify it later.
    • Description: Optionally, provide a brief description of the file.
    • Upload the Input Excel: Click the upload button to select your prepared Excel file from your computer.
    • Specify a Folder: Choose or create a folder to store the file within the tool’s file management system.

  4. Click the Create Button: Once all the details are filled out, click the Create button to upload the file and start the import process.

  5. Return to the Workbench: After clicking Create, you will be returned to the Workbench page, where the newly added file will appear in the file list.

  6. Check the Import Status: Click on the link to the new file in the file list. This will take you to a page where you can monitor the status of the import task.

  7. View Input Data: Once the import task is completed, navigate to the Input View tab to review the imported data. This is where you can verify that the data has been imported correctly before proceeding with the optimization.

By following these steps, you'll successfully import your data into the Network Design tool, setting the stage for the next steps in the optimization process. If you encounter any issues during this process, refer to the troubleshooting section or contact support for assistance.