Multiple Planning Entities in VRP

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Andrew J.

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Sep 18, 2020, 12:57:38 PM9/18/20

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Hello all,

I am currently working on a VRP-type problem using chained variables. Planning entities are tasks to be carried out, and variables are workers and planned start time to carry out the activity (shadow variable).

It seems beneficial to accomplish my current goals to cluster tasks based on certain properties and plan these clusters, in addition to the individual tasks themselves. The clusters would have all the same properties available as an individual task, and therefore the same rules file should suffice. I would essentially like to plan the most efficient and fair scheduling of large clusters on a macro level, while also simultaneously considering the most efficient route within the clusters. It is a bit like a VRP inside of a job-scheduling problem. Or a cluster-first route-second type of VRP problem.

I am currently experimenting with using a custom move to execute the larger "cluster" moves during local search. I'm not sure if this is the most efficient way though. I have also read about multiple planned entities within OptaPlanner, but it is unclear if this would work in the case of chained variables, or a VRP-type problem.

Does anyone have experience / thoughts here on the best way to accomplish this?

- Andrew