Vehicle Space Optimization 

Use

Vehicle Space Optimization (VSO) calculates the optimum arrangement of the delivery items for one shipment which require packaging materials, such as pallets. Vehicle Space Optimization also calculates the arrangement of packaging materials (PKM) for a particular means of transport. The results of these calculations are the packing proposals from vehicle space optimization (VSO packing proposals).

The system displays the VSO packing proposals graphically. You can change the height, width and length of VSO packing proposals, as well as choose a different position for a packing proposal. The system can also consider requirements such as overhang, preferred loading positions, loading direction, and other factors in the calculations.

You can print out the loading chart and the VSO loading list as templates for loading.

Implementation Considerations

In order to use the Vehicle Space Optimization component, you must first integrate an optimization algorithm from a third-party vendor using an interface.

Integration

Vehicle Space Optimization is part of the Direct Store Delivery (DSD) component.

·        Vehicle Space Optimization is integrated in the Create Shipment, Change Shipment and Display Shipment applications.

¡        To call the enhancements in Vehicle Space Optimization, choose the Vehicle Space Optimization button on the Deadlines tab page in the overview screen of the corresponding application.

¡        The system displays the status of vehicle space optimization in the appropriate overview screen.

·        When you save a planned shipment, the system starts Vehicle Space Optimization automatically.

·        You can also start Vehicle Space Optimization when creating shipments by choosing Dynamic Transportation Planning.

·        The system also displays the status of vehicle space optimization in the DSD Transport List application.

The Follow-On Processes of Vehicle Space Optimization enable you to use the results of vehicle space optimization (VSO packing proposals) during picking. You can also use VSO packing proposals to control warehouse functions.

The following prerequisites must be met for you to integrate an optimization algorithm from a third-party vendor:

·        You have to install and start an RFC server in order to integrate an external optimization algorithm.

·        You have to configure a TCP/IP connection for the RFC server.

·        You have to install and register an appropriate third-party ActiveX control in the client in which the SAP Frontend is running.

Features

Vehicle Space Optimization calculates the optimum arrangement of the delivery items within a shipment (VSO packing proposals) and determines the arrangement of packing proposals for a particular means of transport.

The arrangement of packing proposals that Vehicle Space Optimization generates is dependent on parameters from the following areas:

·        Optimization profile for plant and shipment type

·        Customer master for the customers receiving the deliveries

·        Material master for the materials to be delivered

·        Material master for the packaging material used

·        Vehicle master

·        Stacking and packing instructions from vehicle space optimization

You can conduct vehicle space optimization for single shipments online or in the background when saving a planned shipment or in collective shipment processing using dynamic transportation planning. You can print out the results of vehicle space optimization as a template for the loading. You can print out a loading list that contains the results of vehicle space optimization, in addition to the standard information (VSO loading list).

Constraints

The system cannot use Vehicle Space Optimization for shipments that already contain VSO-relevant delivery items for which picking has already begun or has finished.