Run classical multi-period optimizations

Several approaches can be taken to running a multi-period model, depending on whether you need to optimize all periods or only a sub-set.

Run all periods

By default all periods are run together as a single optimization. Ensure all periods are active on the Periods page and click the Optimize button.

Run a subset of periods

To optimize only a sub-set of periods:

1. On the Periods page, deactivate the periods which are not required.

2. Optimize the overall model.

Supplies, demands and constraints associated with the deactivated periods are ignored.

Run individual periods

It may be useful to optimize individual periods of a multi-period model, to ensure feasibility in these periods and to understand differences in multi-period results.

When a multi-period case is run individually, the case is run as a single-period optimization and so the results are not directly comparable. When a case is opened and run, the inventories are initialized using the original single-period entries, rather than the solution from the multi-period optimization.

To run a single-period and use opening inventories from a multi-period optimization:

3. Run the entire multi-period optimization.

4. On the Periods page, deactivate the other periods within the multi-period environment.

5. Optimize the single period in the multi-period environment.

Run as single-period plant

To optimize an individual period as a single-period plant:

6. Review the list of cases within the multi-period model.

7. Select the case and click Edit Plant. The plant case opens in a separate window.

8. Click Run to optimize.

Run original cases

As the multi-period model is based on several existing supply chain cases, it may be possible to run the case within the original model. To run the original case:

9. Review the model and case using the Plants page.

10. Locate the original model in the model list.

11. Open the relevant case from the case list.

Warning: The original model is independent from the multi-period model. Changes made in either are not synchronized. To understand the differences between the multi-period model and the original model, use Update Case.