Main > Reference Manual > Solver algorithm > Solver features

In brief, here are the main features of the solver:

Solver

  • Ability to create a constrained plan, respect material supply, available capacity, lead time and release time fence constraints.
  • Ability to create unconstrained plans.
  • Ability to run in multi-threaded mode. Different threads are solving independent sub-problems.

Demand

  • Demand priorities are recognized, such that constraints impact the lowest ranking demands only.
    The default ranking is based on the priority attribute and the due date.
  • Ability to respect different demand policies: In case of a constraint a demand can be allowed to be satisfied late or not. Satisfying the demand in multiple parts can be allowed or not.

Operation

  • Models multiple operation types.
    • Operations with fixed duration.
    • Operations with variable duration, depending on quantity.
    • Alternate operations: When a demand can't be met from the primary operation the solver will plan on alternative operations.
    • Multi-step routings: An operation can have multiple sub-operations that need to be executed in sequence.
  • Date-effectivity: Depending on the start date (or end date) different operations can be effective.
  • The operations can be planned with a minimum, multiple and maximum lot-size.
  • Pre- and post-operation times used as soft constraints (ie they are respected when feasible but will be reduced when required to meet the demand in time).

Resource

  • Resources loaded during the complete duration of an operation.
  • Resources with finite or infinite capacity.
  • Capacity shortages are solved by moving operations early.
  • Ability to model setup times and conversions between setups.

Buffer

  • Material consumption or production happens at the start or at the end of operations.
  • Buffers with finite or infinite material supply.
  • Ability to specify a desired minimum inventory level, aka safety stock. The minimum level can be time dependent and is treated as a soft constraint (ie will be respected when feasible, but will be violated when constraints prevent meeting it).

Miscelaneous

  • Ability to model working hours and holidays.