Optimization objective: Balance node capacity

Balancing node capacity is one of the fulfillment objectives that IBM® Sterling Intelligent Promising considers when optimizing orders. When this objective is prioritized, fulfillment decisions are based primarily on balancing the workload at nodes across the fulfillment network while still meeting customer expectations.

Sterling Intelligent Promising optimizes orders by considering all nodes (stores and distribution centers) for fulfillment. During peak seasons especially, you might want to prioritize network balancing and customer SLAs over shipping costs. Sterling Intelligent Promising helps optimize orders to find the lowest cost to serve while still meeting customer expectations.

Sterling Intelligent Promising considers the following factors when optimizing orders to balance node capacity:
  • Node capacity plan
  • Node backlog
  • Node penalty
Sterling Intelligent Promising then completes the following actions to balance the workload across nodes in the fulfillment network:
  • Aligns assignments to the capacity for all nodes.
  • Computes multi-day cumulative capacity utilization.
  • Looks ahead to assess future capacity as part of assignment.
  • Avoids backlog buildup.