Bin Packing Problem Algorithm in ABAP

[allan_jones_montemayor]

Hi fellow ABAPers,

To give a background, I'm trying to solve a requirement where an item is packaged into a box. I have the length, width, and height of the item and the box. If we are packing only one material, this is easy. Simply compare the length, width, height. If it doesn't fit, propose the next bigger box. Easy. Now, my problem is when we are packing multiple items in a box. To cut the story short, I came into the Wikipedia page for "Bin Packing Problem" (here is the link --> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bin_packing_problem ).

My question is, is there an existing library that can be used in ABAP?

(Source of the image is from --> https://www.researchgate.net/figure/D-bin-packing-problem_fig2_362605146 )

[sadasda · Accepted solution]

Hi Allan,

maybe not the library you are looking for, but I thought I let you know about this anyways:

There is a consulting solution from SAP in this subject area. It uses the BAdI /SCWM/EX_WHO_PACKING (Packing Profile Algorithm - BAdI) and suggests Pick-HUs for a warehouse order. Thereby also different materials are packed into the same HU - similar to your screenshot (the solution itself does not provide a graphical representation or similar). Part of the solution is an implemented heuristic that is responsible for these proposals.

You can find more information in the following presentation. Feel free to contact us directly if this solution is of interest to you or if you have questions about this solution.

Consulting Solution_EWM_Cartonization_2020 - PUBLIC.pdf

Best Regards,
Alex

[allan_jones_montemayor · Accepted solution]

Hi Alexander,

Super thanks for providing your input!

I think we can adapt the Inherit Packing Algorithm mentioned in the document and tailor fit it in our process.

Have a good day!