LLamasoft has created version 4.0 of its Supply Chain Guru application, an aid to network design. Enhanced features of the new version include improved data importation and modeling options, a proprietary simulation engine, multi-time-period optimization, comprehensive production process modeling, and expanded transportation modeling. Supply Chain Guru integrates with other optimization and simulation technologies. It allows users to model their supply-chain operations, optimize the structure for cost and profitability, and simulate proposed changes. Version 4.0 permits the acquisition of data from external sources during model runs, instead of the user having to pre-build the data into the model. It accurately models businesses with seasonality, such as retail and agriculture. It locates manufacturing and distribution facilities based on weighted demand. And it performs enhanced and distributed manufacturing process modeling, such as work-center processes, routings, changeovers and cross-dock operations. All of the output analysis, graphic and visualization tools have been designed to accommodate enhancements in the system's features, LLamasoft said.
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