Supply chain network design software

4flow vista® – software for network optimization and transportation planning

Optimization and digitization of supply chains with 4flow vista®

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Sustainable reduction of total costs in supply networks

4flow provides industry-standard software for network optimization and transportation planning. 4flow vista® is modular and covers use cases from the strategic to the tactical level.

Our end-to-end planning approach spans from the optimization of network structures for the long-term to the optimization of transportation capacities for the short-term. Planning results can also be integrated into existing IT systems.

Algorithms and heuristics developed in-house for network design and supply chain planning reflect more than 20 years of development.

Network optimization and strategic transportation planning

* Modeling of supply networks

* Identification of supply network structure and number of network levels

* Position of inventory and allocation of assortment

* Optimization of total cost

Tactical transportation optimization

* Definition of transportation structure

* Optimization of modes of transportation and transportation costs

* Efficient route planning

* Preview of transportation

Integration in existing IT systems

* Flexible operation as a stand-alone installation, client-server architecture or software-as-a-service (SaaS)

* Seamless integration in the business’s system environment via an integrated data tool with various formats including CSV and XLSX

* Connection to SAP systems possible with use of newest technologies (SOAP/XML web services)

Functions of 4flow vista®

1. Identify network structure

The transportation planning software 4flow vista® enables users to determine the optimal structure of supply, production, and distribution networks. A realistic model of the physical network creates transparency in existing processes and structures. On the basis of this model, the software generates possible scenarios and identifies the optimal network structure.

2. Plan transportation structure

Based on past and future requirements, the software plans optimal transportation structures and concepts. It determines transportation costs using the relevant rates for each logistics service provider. Restrictions such as minimum frequency or conflicting objectives, such as inventories or container costs versus transportation costs, are taken into account in this process. The software also considers cost-efficient concepts, like bundling shipments across sites, and reveals synergies.

3. Tactical optimization of routes

Operational transportation planning supports the continuous identification of cost-optimized transportation concepts for each new situation. Using current and future requirements, the transportation concepts identified in the strategic planning module can be replanned and adapted for upcoming shipments. Thus, 4flow vista® makes it possible to regularly adjust and optimize load capacity and costs in transportation networks.

4. Load previews enable early-stage communication

A unique, specified transportation plan is developed for each origin-destination pair or lane. Costs and load capacity are calculated and revealed in consideration of the chosen transportation structures and concepts. A preview of the transportation plan is created, including relevant routing and loading information for future shipments. This preview can be shared with all relevant stakeholders. The transportation plan for the coming weeks provides needed transparency and offers the ability to respond proactively to changes and volatility.

2024 Gartner® Market Guide for Supply Chain Network Design Tools

4flow was listed as a Representative Vendor in the 2024 Gartner® Market Guide for Supply Chain Network Design Tools*. The report lists 4flow as a Representative Vendor for the product 4flow vista® - software for network optimization and transportation planning.

*Vicky Forman, Pia Orup Lund, February 15, 2024

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Further reading

Blog

Optimizing inventory allocation across networks to balance cost and service level fulfillment

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Blog

Get ready for top trends in supply chain network design in 2024

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4flow center of gravity teaser image
Blog

Center of gravity analysis for the location of new logistics sites

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*Gartner, Market Guide for Supply Chain Network Design Tools, Vicky Forman, Pia Orup Lund, February 15, 2024
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