Rules

Rules allow to customize load configuration process.

Orientations

Define how dimensions of the item are aligned relating to the dimensions of the load space.

When Orientations rule is defined, by default it applies to all items. An item can define its own orientations. Checking Override Items Orientations option will force general rule to superseed item-level setting.

A box can be oriented inside another box in six different ways. Every dimension (length, width, height) can be aligned parallel to the height of the load space, and for every such alignment there are two remaining dimensions to be aligned along space's width, the last dimension will go along the length of the space. A cylinder may have only three orientations, depending on which dimension of the load space the cylinder height is aligned parallel to (upright, widthwise or lengthwise).

Limits

Defines values of various numeric constraints.

When Limits constraints are defined, by default they apply to all items. An item can define its own constraints. Checking Override Items Limits option will force general constraint to superseed item-level setting.

MinSurface
MinSurface value defines minimum height of a surface that the item can be loaded on. For example, use this property to prevent certain items from being placed on the floor.
MaxSurface
MaxSurface value defines maximum height of a surface that the item can be loaded on. For example, when loading a trailer or sea container, certain items are to be loaded using forklift. Inside a trailer the forklift can be extended up to certain height, which defines value of MaxSurface for that item.
Overhang
Overhang defines maximum value of unsupported linear dimension for the item. Value of the property to be specified as a percentage of allowed "hanging" dimension. The default value for the property is 50%.
Unsupported
Unsupported defines maximum value of the unsupported area for the item. Value of the property to be specified as a percentage of allowed "unsupported" area. The default value for the property is 50%.
TopWeight
TopWeight defines maximum value of the weight applied on top of the item.
TopPressure
TopPressure defines maximum value of top pressure for the load object. Pressure is calculated as top weight divided by area of the item's side in given orientation. Value specified in this property must be consistent with units of measurement, used to define items (dimensions and weight), for example, PSI or kg/cm2.

PatternMode

PatternMode defines how patterns of load objects are built. There are three modes:

MinPatternEfficiency

MinPatternEfficiency restricts load patterns with weak space utilization. Pattern efficiency is calculated as percentage of utilized load surface area against available load surface area, where the pattern is built.

Default value for MinPatternEfficiency is 80%.

MinimizeLoadHeight

To improve load quality, after Load configuration has been completed LoadPlanner will impose an artificial load height constraint to "compress" the load, then the loading process will restart.

When loading Trailers or Containers, this option allows to spread load objects across the surface of the load space to create more stable load configuration.