Set up a yard path model

If your site uses any of the following licensable options, you must set up the yard path model:

• Advanced Berth Scheduling Option: calculates distances to the vessel’s assigned berths.

• Expert Decking Option: uses the yard path distances to assign the optimal interim slot for two-part moves.

• PrimeRoute for Straddle Carriers Option: optimizes straddle driving times at the row level.

• PrimeRoute for Terminal Tractors Option: optimizes moves on internal terminal tractors at the block and lane level.

The primary purpose of the yard path model is to accurately gauge time and calculate distances so that XPS can better assign positions and dispatch container handling equipment. This time and distance assessment is accomplished by adding the distances between key yard areas and the traffic flow rules into N4. For example, the yard path model calculates distances between bins within a block and between Rail TZ blocks that are linked by vertices that are high on one end and low at the other.

The design of the yard path model is based upon the concept of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data model, which presents a multi-layered structure. The bottom layer is the geometry layer that defines the basic block geometry and paths. The top layer charts the accessibility of a stack block as it is constrained by the block type and other business rules.

Unlike the yard model or the berth model—where you created the model by entering information into a form--a yard path model is created through a series of tasks (which include adding vertices, generating path spaces, and defining paths to logical blocks and berths).

Before you begin:

Review this conceptual information:

• About yard paths (on page 1)

• Yard path considerations (on page 1)

To set up a yard path model:

1. Add a yard path (on page 1)

2. Add or edit a single yard path connection (on page 1)

3. Generate path spaces (on page 1)

4. View unspecified vertices (on page 1)

5. Add, edit, or move a vertex (on page 1)

6. Define paths to logical blocks and berth (on page 1)

7. Define paths between transfer zones (on page 1)

8. Define paths to parallel buffers (on page 1)

9. Associate transfer zones to blocks (on page 1)

10. Optional: If you have upgraded from an earlier version of N4, you can view the vertices without geospatial information (on page 1).