Packing Algorithm's

[Guest]

Hey everyone,

 

I recently installed the Eshipper contrib which works great, however, I was wondering if anyone had (or seen) any different packing algorithms other then those that come with that contrib (which is a "pack on top" algorithm that just places the items on top of each other to get an estimated size.)

 

What i'm trying to do is take my boxes (2 different sizes, small,large) for demonstration purposes, say 6x6x8" and 12x12x8" and have the items placed into the box which ever way they can be (upright, side ways, flat, etc), to amount to the smallest box available from the present box sizes.

 

This sounds like a complex algorithm to me, specially when i have no experience writing one. So some help, or even pointing me in a direction to start, would be great.

 

If anyone can help out let me know!

 

Thanks

 

Ben C.

aka RCK

[Jan Zonjee]

This sounds like a complex algorithm to me, specially when i have no experience writing one. So some help, or even pointing me in a direction to start, would be great.

It is. The UPSXML contribution contains a (additional) packing class that can be used by other shipping modules too (though as far as I know there isn't one).

[MrPhil]

Yes, it would be quite complex. You could take a rough swag at which box to use by adding up the volumes of the items and the ordered dimensions (largest-to-smallest) of each item, compared to the box dimensions. That would give you a minimum box size, but it's far harder to determine if that box is sufficient. For that, you need to try all sorts of (reasonable) packing orders and orientations. I'm sure it's been done by someone -- have you tried googling for shipping packing order and similar? Don't forget to allow some extra room for padding around fragile items, putting delicate items on top, and avoiding items next to each other that could damage each other. Let's not even think about irregularly shaped objects (anything other than a rectangular volume). Watch the weight limit on the box itself (you don't want the box to fail in transit), and allow some space under the top so that when someone slices open the tape with a boxcutter knife, it doesn't nick the merchandise. Have fun!