TC NetOptimizer is a product developed in-house as a tool to simulate and evaluate network configurations. Key features of the product are the high degree of automation and the wide choice of approaches to solve problems to yield tailor-made solutions.
TIM CONSULT classifies network planning into three segments: Finetuning, Evolution and Greenfield. This classification reflects the fundamental difference in the involved tasks and the planning and implementation horizon.
Reflecting these segments, the planning and simulation tool TC NetOptimizer is divided into different modules for different task constellations. This arrangement makes it possible to draw up a framework depending on requirements, within which projects can be realized within very short timeframes.
The benefits of software developed in-house are obvious: independence from third-party service providers, additional features can be added depending on customers’ requests, direct incorporation of new know-how, greater flexibility and assured operation to name just a few. We have created this tool to ensure that network planning is not an activity within the scope of a large-scale growth strategy but that it can also be undertaken to reveal optimization potential – significant in some cases – even within smaller existing networks.
Another major benefit for our customers lies in the fact that the tool is enriched with our expertise in transport markets so as to make the most efficient use of all available resources – this saves customers time and money. Furthermore, TC NetOptimizer is designed to represent multi-stage distribution networks with central and regional warehouses, ports as well as transshipment points. Complex distribution structures can be easily mapped. Likewise, multiple-goal criteria can be used for optimization; TC NetOptimizer concurrently maps all cost streams of the optimized network into transport and warehousing costs as well as service elements e.g. lead times. This represents true optimization of the network unlike the comparison of alternatives. Despite the highly complex nature of the task constellation, TC NetOptimizer transparently produces detailed output of optimization logs as well as interactive presentations.
There are virtually no limits to the number of scenarios, data volume and network complexity that can be handled with TC NetOptimizer. Our aim was to design an in-house tool which experts at TIM CONSULT could use as a perfect complement to our product palette – our experience so far indicates that we succeeded.
