The Location Optimizer Macro is a macro that runs in multiple iterations
determining the best locations to add or remove from a location network.
You are able specify how many locations you would like to add to the network,
specify the optimization level, and then have it randomly seed or specifically
seed the iterations.
Say you have 100 demand locations and would like to isolate the top
4 based on a specific value, the iterative process is such that the entire
incoming data stream is processed in groups of 4 to identify the locations
with the highest combined score. The user controls how many iterations
to run via the Speed/Optimization setting.
Note: Location Optimizer macro properties will only display
on the Test tab in the Interface designer. The contents of the Test tab
cannot be edited from the Interface Designer.
Designing a Location Optimizer Macro
Start with a working workflow.
From Workflow Properties, select Location
Optimizer Macro from the Workflow Type drop down list.
Once the Workflow is saved as an Location Optimizer
Macro, each tool in the workflow
gets a lightning bolt anchor .
Only Interface Tools can connect
to these anchors. This anchor indicates that there are Interface
elements and actions updating a workflow tool.
Configure the Location Optimizer properties, found
in the Interface Designer (Ctrl+Alt+D)
or accessed from the View menu. Click the wrench icon to view the Properties.
Potential Locations:
From the drop down, select the Input Data tool in the workflow that
contains the potential locations for analysis.
Score Output:
From the drop down, select the Output Data tool in the workflow
that contains the value you are scoring on.
Choose optimization for either a high score or
a low score. If a high score is more desirable, select Optimize
for High Score. If a low score is more desirable, select
Optimize for Low Score.
Configuring a Location Optimizer Macro
To use a Location Optimizer macro in a workflow, either
slide the macro from the Tool Palette to the canvas or right click
on the canvas and choose Insert >Macro... and browse to the file
location of the desired Macro.
Note: You can specify macro directories to display in the Tool Palette from Options >
User Settings > Edit User Settings. You can create Macro repositories from the Macro tab.
Configure the tool by entering parameters in the different
Tabs.
Location Optimizer
Tab:
Use the up/down arrows to specify the Number
of Locations to Add. This will be the number of location
records returned.
Set the Speed/Optimization.
Choices are:
Fast:
Speed optimization. The workflow will run fastest with this
setting, but accuracy may be compromised.
Balanced:
This setting will balance speed and accuracy. The workflow will
run slower then the fast setting, but be more accurate.
Accurate:
This setting will produce the most accurate results, but speed
will be compromised.
Custom:
set your own speed optimization.
Use the up/down arrows to set the n percent
within n generations
Random Seed:
There are many random seeds in the back-end processes. By specifying
a seed, you can be assured that the same sequence of numbers are
run. This guarantees the same data, same seed and same results
each time the workflow is run.
Automatic:
a random seed is used. You can expect results to vary from
one run to the next.
Specific:
This guarantees the same data, same seed and same results
each time the workflow is run.
.
Only Interface Tools can connect
to these anchors. This anchor indicates that there are Interface
elements and actions updating a workflow tool.
to view the Properties.