T.LoaDS treatment of assigning and filling orders

The Tactical Logistics Distribution System (T.LoaDS or TLoaDS) is a powerful and flexible simulation application for assessing current or future tactical distribution systems. It is a discrete event analytical model for assessing the pros and cons of new doctrine, distribution techniques, organizational structures, and equipment concepts. It can also be used for mission planning allocating available resources to sustain a military force in a wide variety of scenarios. This paper covers how TLoaDS models the order assigning and filling process. While order assigning is simple, the order filling process dynamically selects the combination of container, handler, and transporter appropriate for the current order, conditions and rule set. A scoring system with user adjustable weighting factors allows biasing the shipment plan towards more efficient use of transporters, or more responsive filling of orders.