Analyze service coverage and optimize facility assignments by finding the closest facility for each demand point.
Overview
The Closest Facility (CF) tool helps you understand how well your existing facilities serve your demand points. It calculates the nearest facility for each demand point and provides detailed analytics about service coverage, distance distributions, and optimization opportunities.
How to Access
Navigate to your project's map view
Click on the "Tools" tab in the right-side toolbar
Select "Closest Facility" from the available tools
The CF configuration panel will appear
Tool Selection
The Tools tab showing available map analysis tools
Configuration Options
Calculation Method
Choose how distances are calculated:
Standard (Euclidean): Straight-line distance between points
Road Network (OSRM): Actual driving distance using road networks
Road network calculation is more accurate but takes longer to process
Calculation Method
Dropdown for selecting the calculation method
Facility Dataset
Select the dataset containing your facility locations:
Choose a dataset with facility or warehouse locations
Only facility-type datasets are available for selection
Facilities will be used as service points for demand analysis
Facility Dataset Selection
Dropdown for selecting the facility dataset (only facility-type datasets shown)
Running the Analysis
Select your calculation method (Standard or Road Network)
Select your facility dataset from the dropdown
Ensure you have a dataset selected in the main map settings
Click the "Calculate Closest Facility" button
The tool will process the data and display assignment results
Calculate Button
The calculate button to run the Closest Facility analysis
Understanding Results
Visual Assignments
The map displays the facility assignments with connecting lines:
Each demand point is connected to its closest facility with a line
Lines are color-coded by facility for easy identification
Line thickness can indicate the volume or importance of the assignment
Click on lines or points to view detailed information
Closest Facility Analysis Example
This interactive example demonstrates the Closest Facility tool in action. You can see demand points (blue circles) connected to their nearest facility (orange factory icon) with assignment lines showing the service coverage relationships.
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Advanced Features
Load Balancing Analysis
Analyze how evenly demand is distributed across facilities:
Identify overburdened or underutilized facilities
Calculate load distribution statistics
Spot opportunities for capacity rebalancing
Consider facility capacity constraints in analysis
Best Practices
Data Quality
Ensure accurate coordinates for both facilities and demand points
Verify that facility locations are current and operational
Clean and validate demand data before analysis
Consider using weighted analysis for high-value customers
Analysis Interpretation
Look for patterns in facility assignments and coverage gaps
Compare actual distances with industry benchmarks
Consider seasonal variations in demand patterns
Use results to identify expansion or optimization opportunities
Action Planning
Identify facilities that are consistently overloaded
Look for demand clusters that could benefit from new facilities
Consider relocating underperforming facilities
Use analytics to support business case development
💡 Pro Tip
Use the Closest Facility tool regularly to monitor service coverage as your business grows. Regular analysis helps identify when new facilities are needed before service quality degrades.
Use Cases
Service Coverage Analysis: Evaluate how well existing facilities serve customers
Delivery Optimization: Assign orders to the nearest distribution center
Emergency Response: Analyze response times and coverage for emergency services
Retail Planning: Understand customer catchment areas for existing stores