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 Optimization in Sequencing

Use

You can access optimization interactively in sequencing, to recalculate the sequence of the orders that you have already dispatched in a certain day or shift. Alternatively, you can also select a subset of the orders that are scheduled one after another in a shift and optimize these to create an improved order sequence for this subset. See also: Optimizing Subsets

Initially, the results of the optimization are simulative – they do not become operative until saved.

Integration

You can choose the following procedures using the Optimization function key in sequencing:

  • Prioritized Equal Distribution

  • Slotting Heuristic

  • Genetic Algorithm

  • Genetic Algorithm with Graphic

    If you choose this option, the system displays a graphic during the optimization showing the development of the individual optimization criteria (parameters).

Prerequisites

  • In Customizing under the Basis Settings , you have maintained the master data for the optimization, such as the network links to the optimization server , for example.

  • In Customizing for the Model Mix Planning, in the activity, Define Procedure Packages , you have defined the Interactive indicator for the individual procedures you want to select in the sequence schedule.

  • You have created a procedure profile for the procedure you want to use in the sequence schedule. You define the optimization parameters in a procedure profile, such as the runtime or the restrictions to be considered, for example.

Features

Defining the Parameters

If you have selected a procedure using the Optimization function key, the system branches to a dialog box where you set the parameters for the procedure. Here, you enter either a procedure profile that you have defined for the procedure in Customizing or you enter all the parameters manually.

Genetic Algorithm with Graphic

You use this option to select the genetic algorithm. When you choose this option, the system also creates a graphic.

In this option, you do not define the parameters in the dialog box. Instead, the system displays the SEQ Optimization screen where you can start the optimization by choosing .

Optimization Tab Page

The following charts are displayed:

  • In the Status part of the screen, the system displays the status messages for the optimization.

  • In the Messages part of the screen, the system displays information on the processing steps which have been executed successfully or on any problems which have occurred for the individual processing steps.

  • In the Current Solution chart, you can determine the parameters not to be shown in the graphic display of the solution process chart by double-clicking the objects. Or, you can show parameters that have previously been removed.

  • In the Solution Process chart, you can follow the development of the parameters during the optimization. Therefore, an overview of the quality of the optimization is available.

The following function keys are available:

  • Start optimization

  • Access optimization profile

  • Show/hide values and

    Using these function keys, in the Current Solution chart, you can show or hide selected parameters in the solution process chart.

  • Weighted values:

    If you choose the function key, the system displays the costs of the restriction violation in the charts Current Solution and Solution Process for every restriction category.

  • Non-weighted values:

    If you choose the function key, the system displays the number of restriction violations in the charts Current Solution and Solution Process .

Solutions Tab Page

The optimization parameters are listed in the upper section of the screen. The violations of these parameters (restriction or date violations) are shown as costs. The higher these costs are, the greater the violation of a parameter, for example, a restriction.

In the lower half of the screen, the costs of the individual parameters are displayed graphically providing a quick overview of the quality of the optimization.

Message Log Tab Page

In the message log, the system displays the messages from the Messages screen section again. Here, however, you also have access to the long texts of the individual messages.

Terminating the Optimization Run

You can use transaction /SAPAPO/OPT_STOP to cancel the optimization you started from the sequence schedule. On accessing the transaction, the system displays the overview of the optimization processes. You can select the optimization session in question and terminate it using the function key.

Note Note

Note that five restriction categories are displayed under Parameters . The costs for quantity and position restrictions are displayed in one row. For more information, see also Genetic Algorithm

End of the note.