Optimization Solutions - Distribution Examples

Distribution and Logistics Examples

This free workbook contains six example models from distribution and logistics.  Click the model names to display each worksheet model in your browser.

You can use the worksheet that most closely models your situation as a starting point.  Solving your real problem may require "scaling up" the model to include more variables and constraints -- but rest assured that you can solve your full-size problem with the power of our Excel Solver upgrades, even if it requires hundreds of thousands of variables!

To download and save the workbook, right-click Distribution Examples and select Save Target As... from the context menu.  You can then actually solve these small example models in Excel, using the standard Excel Solver, Premium Solver or Premium Solver Platform.

  • Transport1 - Transportation Model:  Determine how many products to ship from each factory to each warehouse, to minimize shipping cost while meeting warehouse demands and not exceeding factory supplies
  • Transport2 - Multi-Level Transportation Model:  Determine how many products to ship from each factory to each warehouse and each customer, to minimize total shipping cost while meeting demands and not exceeding warehouse capacities and factory supplies
  • Transport3 - Multi-Level, Multi-Commodity Transportation Model:  Determine how many products of several different types to ship from each factory to each warehouse and each customer, to minimize total shipping cost while meeting demands and not exceeding capacities and supplies
  • Knapsack - Partial Loading (Knapsack Problem) - Decide which sizes or types of products to load into a vehicle, given its size limits, to best meet demand or to minimize wasted space
  • Facility - Facility Location:  Determine which (if any) plants to close to minimize total costs, which include fixed operating costs and shipping costs from plants to warehouses
  • Prodtran - Production / Transportation Model:  Determine how many products to produce in each factory and ship to warehouses and customers, to minimize overall costs while meeting demands and not exceeding warehouse capacities and factory supplies

On each example worksheet, read the description at the bottom, then select Solver on the Data tab in Excel 2007, or Tools Solver... from the menu in Excel 2003.  When you see the Solver Parameters dialog box, click the Solve button to find the optimal solution.

We're here to help -- contact us if you'd like more information or advice on your application.

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