Solver algorithms

Frepple provides 2 solvers, each designed for specific supply chain structures:
- the default solver is designed to handle complex and deep manufacturing supply chains.
- the distribution solver is designed to solve large scale supply chains with purchasing and distribution activities, without manufacturing operations.
MANUFACTURING SOLVER | DISTRIBUTION SOLVER |
| Designed to solve complex and deep manufacturing supply chains. | Designed to solve distribution supply chains with purchasing and distribution activities. |
Solves demand by demand.
| Propagates demand level by level.
|
Constrained supply is allocated to the the most important demands.
| Supply constraints are proportionally divided across all impacted demands.
|
| Plans for sales orders, forecast, and safety stock. | Plans for sales orders, forecast, and safety stock. In the absence of any demand, it can also push excess inventory downstream in the network. See this example model. |
Supported functionalities:
| Supported functionalities:
|
The configuration parameter "plan.solver" specifies which solver algorithm frepple uses. When this parameter is set to "heuristic", we use the manufacturing solver when executing the "Generate Supply Plan" task. When set to "distribution", we use the distribution solver instead.
Note: with some customizations, we can create solver algorithms that combine the advantages of both approaches.
Related
Why not using an ERP as planning sysytem ?
Understanding forecast consumption
Demand classification: why forecastibility matters
Backward or forward scheduling?
Comparing MRP, planning spreadsheets and APS
Planning vs scheduling processes
Decoupling points in supply chain
How to compute a safety stock?

