Strategic Planning Software
Strategic Logistics Optimization
SLIM (Strategic Logistics plannIng systeM) is a powerful and flexible supply chain optimization toolset for complex distribution, transport and supply chain operations:
- Strategic Supply Chain: assign products to factories, depots and distribution centres
- Network Optimization: warehouse/depot/factory location and territory optimization
- Supply Optimization: strategic/tactical replenishment and contract optimization
- Logistics Capacity Planning: ideal fleet profile/distribution, hub capacity, staffing levels
SLIM includes a wide range of advanced strategic planning software tools and is designed to model large networks with complex configurations and constraints.
Although powered by leading edge planning and optimization algorithms, SLIM is easy to use, requiring minimal training and designed to fit naturally into business operations.
Example applications include linehaul network optimization, petroleum logistics planning, retail supply chain optimization and network resilience analysis.
Strategic Supply Chain Optimization
Using forecast or actual demands by customer site or delivery point, SLIM allocates delivery points to production or distribution centres based on supply price and transport cost:
- Parcel and postal networks - determine optimum linehaul/trunking schedules or analyse impact of new depots/hubs on territory allocation and costs.
- Petroleum supply chain - based on the supply price at each terminal, and taking into account the locations and capacities of terminals, SLIM assigns the supply for each petrol station to the best terminal.
- Consumer goods and retail - allocate customers to depots and supply points to minimize overall logistics costs while ensuring high service level resilience.
- Manufacturing and supply chain - optimize factory and logistics capacity based on forecast volumes to minimize risk/cost profile.
Logistics Network Optimization
Location Optimization
SLIM's logistics network optimization algorithms address strategic analysis and planning of network locations, answering questions such as: 'Where is the best place to build a new production facility?' or 'What is the ideal location for a new consolidation centre?'.
SLIM can model a wide range of businesses and operations, including logistics networks, transport operations, freight/express networks, retail distribution, field service operations, etc.
Integrated GIS analysis tools and demographic profiling modules allow incorporation of marketing strategies. SLIM is designed for large, complex distribution network optimization problems which cannot be modelled by conventional strategic logistics management software.
Depot Territory Planning Software
MJC²'s strategic planning toolsets automate and streamline territory planning and depot territory management. SLIM's algorithms enable optimized allocation of territories to distribution depots, production sites or retail outlets, while our network planning systems automatically optimize the allocation of supplier contracts.
Site Location Analysis
SLIM includes powerful territory mapping and site location analysis tools to enable the user to view and manipulate complex territory design datasets. Our depot territory planning software is designed for very large distribution, retail or service networks which have to manage complex product portfolios and high customer service expectations.
Supply Optimization
SLIM includes price negotiation tools which optimize the allocation of orders to suppliers offering the same product at different prices from different locations.
Using transport costs, available volumes and current/projected demands, SLIM calculates purchase orders, taking account of constraints such as minimum order quantities, discounts, availability schedules, etc.
The optimization can be run daily to make best use of existing agreements or at a strategic level to assist with contract negotiations.
SLIM calculates an optimized solution which is constrained by factors such as storage capacities, product rules, min/max delivery volumes at RDCs, etc.
Alternatively, the system can be run unconstrained by supply, allowing the strategic planning model to calculate the ideal volumes to be taken from each RDC or production site, as well as advising on minimum/maximum stocking levels at branches and intermediate distribution points.
Logistics Capacity Planning
Network Capacity Planning
SLIM allows long-term planning of logistics resources (e.g. vehicle fleet sizes and profiles, driver contracts, 3PL agreements), based on historical trends and forecast demands.
MJC²'s strategic capacity planning tools enable optimization of the logistics network to find the ideal balance of own vs contractor resources, taking into account factors such as seasonality, weekly/daily demand variances, service levels, warehousing constraints, etc.
SLIM uses an integrated logistics optimization model to ensure that network capacity planning constraints and business rules are modelled accurately and that resulting plans can be executed at the operational level.
Hub and Distribution Centre Optimization
SLIM's strategic modelling tools allow the impact of varying freight flows and traffic profiles on hub and DC activity to be modelled and optimized.
Based on forecast inbound and outbound flows (by freight type), the system simulates end-to-end activity at the site: gatehouse, trailer park, doors/docks/silos/tanks, sortation/picking, processing, laneing and loading/unloading.
The corresponding impact on required staffing levels (by time of day and labour category) and equipment utilization is automatically calculated. Potential queues and bottlenecks are identified and minimised.
Required warehouse/depot capacity (floor space, docks, product profiles), assembly and sortation capacities and ideal resourcing levels (full-time, part-time, agency) can be identified. Contingency strategies and seasonal plans can be analysed and integrated with transport capacity schedules.