Automatic cost generator for use with an automated supply chain optimizer
First Claim
1. A method for use with an automated supply chain optimizer that optimizes a supply chain based on costs, the method automatically converting non-cost-based definitions into costs for use by the optimizer, the method comprising:
- providing a set of non-cost-based definitions;
generating a linear programming model that incorporates the definitions as a set of linear constraints;
solving the linear programming model to yield a cost model; and
extracting costs from the cost model for use with the optimizer.
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Abstract
An automatic cost generation apparatus is provided for automatically converting user supplied definitions/requirements into cost parameters for use by a cost-based supply chain optimizer. In one example, this is achieved by generating a linear programming model that incorporates the requirements/definitions as a set of linear constraints. The linear programming model is automatically solved so as to yield a cost model, from which costs are extracted for use by the cost-based optimizer. By first formulating requirements/definitions as linear constraints within a linear programming model, the solution to the model therefore yields a cost model that satisfies the constraints, i.e. a cost model that satisfies the requirements. Hence, requirements/definitions initially provided by the user are thereby automatically converted into a cost model that incorporates costs that can be used during supply chain optimization. The user can therefore use the cost-based optimizer without first having to try to determine the various costs that correspond to his or her business requirements, which can be difficult.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for use with an automated supply chain optimizer that optimizes a supply chain based on costs, the method automatically converting non-cost-based definitions into costs for use by the optimizer, the method comprising:
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providing a set of non-cost-based definitions;
generating a linear programming model that incorporates the definitions as a set of linear constraints;
solving the linear programming model to yield a cost model; and
extracting costs from the cost model for use with the optimizer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13)
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12. A machine-accessible medium containing instructions that when executed cause a machine to:
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provide a set of non-cost-based definitions;
generate a linear programming model that incorporates the definitions as a set of linear constraints;
solve the linear programming model to yield a cost model; and
extract costs from the cost model for use with the optimizer.
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14. An automatic cost generation apparatus for use with a supply chain optimizer that optimizes a supply chain based on costs, the apparatus automatically converting non-cost-based definitions into costs for use by the optimizer, the apparatus comprising:
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a definitions unit operative to provide a set of non-cost-based definitions;
a model generation unit operative to generate a linear programming model that incorporates the definitions as a set of linear constraints;
a linear programming model solution unit operative to solve the linear programming model to yield a cost model; and
a cost extraction unit operative to extract costs from the cost model for use with the optimizer.
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Specification