Hi,
I'm having a problem understanding the route generated by the Vehicle Routing Problem tool. Given the set of parameters I've entered, I'm expecting a different result.
I'm trying to generate a garbage waste pick-up route, starting from a Depot, to a series of neighborhood pickup points. I've loaded these points into the Orders list and I've entered assigned a field for the [PickupQuantities] property (the unit throughout is kilograms). Typically, the value for each stop i the field I've assigned is between roughly 500-1500 kg.
For the Routes list, I've added a truck (Truck_1) and added values to all the relevant fields. The main ones of interest/confusion right now is [Capacities] and [MaxOrderCount].
I understand [Capacities] is for how much the vehicle can carry. In my case, it's 8000 kg until full.
For [MaxOrderCount], I understand this to mean the maximum number of stops that my output route cannot exceed. In my case, I've entered 30 as this is the default and I'm happy with this because it's a number I don't think will be close to being reached or exceeded.
ESRI describes it like so:
"The maximum allowable number of orders on the route. This field can't contain null values and has a default value of 30"
Other inputs:
- for Depots, I've loaded a list of points with relevant attributes assigned.
- I have generated a basic road network, with time and distance attributes. I have not added any turn or time restrictions.
Here is my problem - I'm expecting the Solve output will;
- Generate a route starting at my nominated Depot for the truck
- The route will travel along the road network to the nearest stop(s) until up to 8000 kg have been picked up OR it has reached 30 stops. Given the rough average of kilograms per stop (500-1500 kg), I'm expecting the route will go to roughly 5-15 stops.
- Return to starting Depot.
What I am getting:
- the route starts at my nominated Depot for the truck
- The route travels along the road network until it reaches 30 stops, first going to a few nearby stops, then veering off to stops many kilometers away, despite closer stops.
- Returns to starting Depot
So, for some reason:
- the [MaxOrderCount] attribute is forcing the route to go to the absolute number I've assigned to it. When i change it 10, it always goes to 10 stops. Change it 20, it goes to 20 stops.
- It is ignoring both the [Capacities] attribute of the truck and [PickupQuantity] attribute (that was assigned to a particular field when I initially set up the Orders list)
- The route is not going to next nearest available stops. As mentioned, my road network is without turn or time restrictions, so I don't know why it is veering way off to other stops when closer ones are available.
If anybody has any suggestions or questions that might help, please ask. I'm a novice user of Network Analyst and this is completely stumping me to the point I need help!
David