Use Cases
The decisions behind the problems
A production schedule, a delivery network and a satellite-observation plan all compete for resources. Their situations differ, but the choices have a recognizable structure: what must happen, what may change and what should improve?
A Use Case explains that structure. It does not imply that a particular project has already been deployed or that every example is available through the same product interface.
Work and timing
All use casesWork that must happen in the right order
Production scheduling
Machines, job sequences, setups and deadlines.
Workforce rostering
Qualifications, coverage, availability and fair assignments.
Project planning
Dependencies, milestones and shared specialists.
Space observations
Scarce observation windows and changing priorities.
Movement and logistics
Movement, capacity and space
Truck loading
Geometry, weight, compatibility and delivery order.
Vehicle routing
Fleet decisions, capacity and time windows.
Infrastructure and computing
Energy resources
Today's assignment can change tomorrow's options.
Network and telecommunications routing
Flows compete for paths and capacity under changing states.
AI computing
Scheduling work across scarce computational resources.
Network design
What topology and connectivity imply for optimization choices.
Energy: Decisions Connected Across Time and the Grid
Electricity has to arrive when it is needed, not simply exist somewhere in the system.
Computing Infrastructure: Scheduling the Invisible Work
The quality of a digital service can depend on decisions made before the application responds.
Integrated optimization
Why a better decision in one place may change the plan in another
Integrated production and transport
Why a better production sequence may change the logistics plan.
Manufacturing Is a Network of Decisions
The busiest machine is not necessarily the machine helping the factory most.
Transportation and Logistics: The Journey Is Only Part of the Problem
The shortest route can be the wrong route, and the fullest truck can be the wrong load.
Aerospace and Aviation: When Resources Have to Meet at the Right Moment
An available aircraft, a qualified person and a piece of equipment are three different things.
Space and Defense: Planning With Irreplaceable Windows
Some opportunities cannot simply be moved to tomorrow.
See where 4colors has worked
These are explanations of problem types. For actual 4colors projects, verified competitions and implemented experiments, visit Case Studies. For specific currently offered software, explore Products.