Patent ID: 8930235
Filing Date: 2015-01-06
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to optimize shelf space placement for a product, the optimization comprising: receiving input decision variables and constraints; executing a Randomized Search (RS) using the input decision variables and constraints until an RS solution is below a pre-determined improvement threshold, wherein the RS solution comprises first RS solution decision variables; solving a Mixed-Integer Linear Program (MILP) problem using the first RS solution decision variables and constraints, wherein the RS solution is a starting point of the solving to generate a MILP solution by transforming the first RS solution decision variables into MILP decision variables; when the MILP solution is not within a predetermined accuracy or does not exceed a predetermined time duration, alternating executing a second RS based on the previous MILP solution until a second RS solution comprising second RS solution decision variables is below the pre-determined improvement threshold and solving the MILP problem by transforming the second RS solution decision variables into MILP decision variables, until the MILP solution is within the predetermined accuracy or does exceed the predetermined time duration; and based on the MILP solution, outputting a shelf position and a number of facings for the product.