Go to Optimise > Location to Facility
This function solves the problem of clustering customers, so the load within the cluster is lower than am defined capacity and geometric size of cluster is minimized.
Parameters
You first need to pick the point table you want to use as the source. This could be students that need to be allocated to schools or even sales potential to regional offices (sales areas).
You can select a column that represents the demand for each point. For instance a point might represent a different number of students or sales value.
If a specific column is not selected then each point will have a default demand of 1.
Next you need to pick the facilities table. This could be schools or sales offices for instance.
Then you need to select a column that identifies the facility.
Finally, select the capacity of the facility.
Calculation type
The cluster algorithm uses a matrix in order to work. This can be a straight line or a calculated route distance. The straight line is very quick but is not as accurate as a routed distance, There is an example below.
Click OK to perform the calculation.
If you have selected the route matrix type then you might see the following progressbar.
If your table does not have a column to store the result then you will see this prompt:
If you click "Yes" then the column is added as in integer column. The result of the clustering is stored in this column in the original table.
You will get a message if that tables you select have deleted rows or have records that are not geocoded.
Otherwise the calculated groups will be displayed.
Location to facilty using straight line
Location to facility using routed calculation
A legend will be displayed showing the results of the calculation
