Patent ID: 8090607
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method for use with an automated supply chain optimizer that optimizes a supply chain subject to at least one user demand and one or more corresponding constraints, the method providing information regarding an unsatisfied demand, the method comprising: relaxing a constraint that potentially corresponds to the unsatisfied demand; controlling, in a computer, the optimizer to re-optimize the supply chain using the relaxed constraint; determining whether the demand was satisfied during re-optimization; providing information to the user regarding the cause of the unsatisfied demand based on whether the demand was satisfied during re-optimization using the relaxed constraint; and prioritizing the constraints wherein the constraints include one or more of non-delivery penalty constraints, capacity constraints, activity bound and maximum lot constraints, material availability constraints, horizon constraints and cost constraints and wherein the constraints are prioritized in the order of: non-delivery penalty constraints; capacity constraints; activity bound and maximum lot constraints; horizon constraints; material availability constraints; and cost constraints.