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This manual provides a guide on how to use the Loadmeter (LDM) Optimization feature in Control Tower (CT) to calculate loadmeters for orders.
If this is not activated, the system will only use a rudimentary loadmeter Calculation (see Stackability).
Enabling the Load Optimization function
Step 1: Enable Load Optimization in Transport Order Settings
Navigate to Transport Order Settings:
Go to the settings menu in Control Tower.
Select "Transport Order Settings."
Enable Light Load Optimization:
In the "Transport Order Calculation" section, find the setting named "Light Load Optimization."
Toggle the setting to "Enabled."
Creating/Updating an Order with Optimized LDM
Step 2: Create or Update an Order
Create or Update an Order:
When creating a new order or updating an existing one, ensure the "Light Load Optimization" setting is enabled.
Algorithm Execution:
The system will automatically run an algorithm to find the optimal combination for loading all material lines into the truck, targeting the lowest possible LDM.
The result of this algorithm will be an “optimized LDM.”
Override Total LDM:
The total LDM at the order level will be overridden by the new optimized calculation.
The final LDM value will be displayed as either the override, optimized, or calculated value.
Variables and Constraints for Optimization
Variables for Calculation
Material Lines:
Length
Width
Height
Quantity
Stackable
MaxStackability (how many of this item can be stacked)
Vehicle:
Length
Width
Height
Rules for Optimization
Rotation:
Consider rotating the loadings (switch the width and length) to see which one best fits into the truck.
Height Constraint:
Respect the truck's height set on the Master Data Vehicle type while loading and stacking the units.
Truck Assignment:
If no truck is assigned to an order, the load optimization will not be reflected in the LDM.
Stacking Rules:
Only stack parts with the same width and length (the parts could have different heights).
If a part does not have the same width and length, it must be placed in a new "row."
Respect the stackable & MaxStackability factors set on the MD part or the material line override.
If non-stackable, it cannot be stacked under and upon (MaxStackability is irrelevant here).
If stackable & MaxStackability = 0, it is understackable by default (no limit under).
If stackable & Max
Override LDM:
If there is an override LDM associated with one of the material lines, the light load optimization will not run.
Loading Direction:
The vehicle loading calculation direction will always be from right to left (floor to top is not in scope).
Algorithm Exclusions
The algorithm will not consider:
Rotating the loadings by turning them up or side.
Weight influence (for stacking as well as for distribution inside the truck).
Loading order (closest to the door, closest to the rear end, delivery place).
Truck door width/side.
Vehicle loading direction for 3D view (it will always be right to left).
The usage of cylinder cargo.
Example Scenario
Problem Statement
Order Details:
5 Pallets with code A: H135 W25 L25
5 Pallets with code B: H130 W25 L25
Truck Details:
Height: 3m
Current Calculation:
Control Tower stacks Pallet A and Pallet B separately, leading to inefficient use of space.
Optimized Calculation:
Stack Pallet A (H135) on Pallet B (H130), resulting in a combined height of 265, which fits in a 3m truck.
Example calculations
Part A - 250L x 120W x 135H - 3 Quantities
Part B - 250L x 120W x 130H - 5 Quantities
Truck - 1360L x 240W x 265H
Control Tower Standard LDM calculation:
Optimized LDM will be as follows:
(part A and B are stacked)
Control Tower LDM = 7,5m
Optimized LDM = 5m