Data Optimisation Model

[NewUser123]

Currently working with multiple columns of data 

i) One column lists points on a map

ii) One column lists the distance between the points on the map

I am currently looking at a workflow which calculates the closest five points for each point on the map. What I would like to do is for the model to choose the optimal pairing for each point on the map, that would optimize for the overall distance between all points on the map.

E.g. A to B is 5 km, D to E is 5 km, f to G is 5 km, but A to D is 2 km and B to E is 2 km. I want to optimize for the model to only pick A to D = 2, B to E = 2, and F to G = 5 and total = 9 km instead of picking 15 km for the original option. Is there a function/option that I can choose to do this?

[mceleavey · Accepted solution]

Hi @NewUser123 ,

It looks like you might want the "Optimization" tool in the "Prescriptive" section.

This allows you to pick an optimised combination based on what you determine to be optimal. It also allows you to input constraints, which are parameters for the optimisation.

An example of this is stock, so how can I get the most stock of these ten items into my store where the total area is X, the size of each package is y etc.

Follow this link to see a great introduction to the Optimization tool:

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Data-Science-Blog/Introducing-Alteryx-Optimization-Tool-Part-1-Fant...

Hope this helps,

M.

[NewUser123]

Thanks for sharing! The tool introduction looks good. Will give it a go and post here if additional help is needed. 

Thanks again. 

[JessieC]

@NewUser123 - your problem also sounds like it could be solved with a location optimizer macro - https://help.alteryx.com/current/LocationOptimizerMacro.htm

There is a sample built into the Alteryx Designer under 'Help' > 'Sample Workflows' > 'Use scripting and automation tools' > 'Build a Macro' > 'Optimize location by minimizing distance'

Right click on MinimizeDistanceSample (Ctrl+F to find tools) > Open Macro > LocOpt_MinimizeDistance.yxmc

Right click on MinDistanceOptimizer (Ctrl+F to find tools) > Open Macro > .\Alteryx\Samples\en\09 Use_scripting_and_automation_tools\02 Build_a_Macro\Supporting_Macros\LocOpt_MinDistanceOptimizer.yxmc - this is the actual location optimizer macro

Or maybe it's similar to these - https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Traveling-Salesman-with-iterative-macr...

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Travel-itinerary-sequence/td-p/320541/...

Hope it helps!