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.
Testimonial
“At Yusen Logistics we are committed to continuously improving the services we offer our customers. To achieve this, we have teams all around the world that are connected and support each other. For over 3 years we have been using 4flow vista® to help us to optimize our network, including greenfield and brownfield analysis. We use 4flow vista® both for internal analysis as well as for customer tenders. The software provides us with a visual representation of our projects which allows us to pinpoint any potential bottlenecks in the solution.“
Peter Birinszki, Solutions Design Manager, European Control Tower Solutions, Yusen Logistics (Europe) B.V.
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
Access download area
- Access our on-demand webinar recordings on most common use cases
- Downloadindustry-specific case studies showing how 4flow network design solutions supported customers from various industries
Further reading
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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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