Create a project

Introduction

When you log in in the platform, go to the 'Optimize' module:

In this module you can create projects that will process a list of locations and give a result for each of them. 
Tree types of project are available:

• Hotspot project: starting from a list of locations or a saved simulation, you can test the opening of new locations in batch. Within this project, all uploaded locations are added one by one to a given baseline network. This means there are no combination effects of the multiple openings.
• Reduction project: from your existing locations or a saved simulation, you can test the closure of locations in batch and obtain the results directly in a summary table.
• Optimal location characteristics project: starting from a list of locations or a saved simulation, you can test the changes in location characteristics in batch and instantly visualize their impact. 

On the right hand side via the map layer button, you can choose to visualize map layers. The map layer 'Locations' will show the test locations on the map, the other map layers are identical to the 'Marketing Efforts' and 'Location Planning' module.

Create an optimize exercise 

Step 1: Start the exercise

• Press the ‘New’ button and then ‘Hotspot exercise’

• Fill in the name of the project, enter a description (optional) and click on 'Next'

Step 2: Choose a period

• Choose the baseline period  or a simulation on which the optimization calculation will be based, and click  on 'Next'

Step 3: Choose a dataset

1. Choose a dataset

At this stage, you have two options:

• NEW! The option of using a predefined inspiration set, if one is available on your platform or in your country. These pre-configured inspiration sets give you direct access to a list of relevant locations to test.
  
• You also have the option to start with your own dataset by providing a list of locations for testing in batch. To do this, download the provided Excel template and follow the step-by-step instructions in the article below to prepare your list of locations.
  

2. (Optional) Add Parameters

• You can define a buffer zone around your own locations by selecting the option "Minimum distance from your own sites (m)." This feature helps exclude potential locations within this zone, ensuring a more targeted analysis and preventing cannibalization.

Two additional features are available when choosing to base your project on a simulation that includes closed sites (Step 2). These options provide better consideration of site closures and allow for the exploration of relocation opportunities.

• Test only near closed baseline locations, as part of a relocation strategy.
  This option enables the evaluation of new locations situated close to the closed locations in your simulation. It allows for the identification of strategic alternatives to the abandoned locations, ensuring optimal network coverage.
• Allow to copy location characteristics of closed location to new locations being tested.
  This option allows you to retrieve key characteristics of closed locations and apply them to nearby test locations. It ensures that the new locations being evaluated take into account the commercial and structural specifics of the old location, facilitating continuity in potential performance analysis and decision-making.

By combining these two features or selecting the one that fits your specific case, you can test precise relocation while maintaining analytical consistency, leading to a more refined network optimization.

Go to step 2: Prepare the list of locations

Create a reduction exercise 

Step 1: Start the exercise

• Press the ‘New’ button and then ‘Optimal Reduction’
  
  
   
• Fill in the name of the project, enter a description (optional) and click on 'Next'
  
  

Step 2:

• Choose the baseline period  or a simulation (the network on which you want to test the new locations) and click on 'Next'
  
  

Step 3:

Select the locations you wish to test as closures in the table, by clicking in the box in front of their name.

You can also select locations directly on the map by clicking on their logo, then on the little purple arrow above it to move on to the next. This method offers a more visual approach, but can be laborious.

Step 4: Once you have made your choice, you can launch the calculation of the reduction test by clicking on the orange button on the right. This corresponds to step 3 in the article Import the file and launch the calculation.

Create an optimal location characteristics exercise 

Step 1: Start the exercise

• Press the ‘New’ button and then ‘Optimal characteristics’
  
  
   
• Fill in the name of the project, enter a description (optional) and click on 'Next'
  

Step 2: Choose a period

• Choose the baseline period  or a simulation (the network on which you want to test the new locations) and click on 'Next'

Step 3: Download template to change the location characteristics

• Select 'download template' to export your locations in an Excel file. 
  
• Edit the Excel file to modify the location characteristics you want to test. We recommend changing only one location characteristic at a time (per row)  to accurately assess its impact. Changing multiple characteristics simultaneously will result in a combined effect, making it harder to isolate individual influences.
   

Step 4: Upload the new file with the updated location characteristics & calculate

• Click on the 'Upload Excel' button and select the new file with the adapted location characteristics.  
  
• Once the Excel file is uploaded, the changes can be viewed in two ways: 
  
  In the table:
  
  
  On the map:
  
• Now you can start running the calculation of your location characteristics changes by clicking the orange button 'run exercise' on the right. 

You can then move on to the next article on validating the results.