AlignMix AI

Territory Optimizer New Map

The territory optimizer can be used to create brand new sales territories in a blank map or to balance and optimize existing sales territories. In this section you will learn how to use the optimizer to create new sales territories that are balanced and optimized. 

In order to use any of the optimization tools you first need to have a data set imported into your AlignMix file. Without data the optimization tools will not be enabled. If you have created a sales territory index then you need to make sure that the index was created for the total number of sales territories that you plan to create and optimize using the territory optimizer tool. If the index was built for 100 sales territories then you can use the optimizer for 100 sales territories. If the two do not match, that is okay. You can always create a new sales territory index for a different number of sales territories. 

When using the territory optimizer on a new blank map you do not have any existing territories that will need to minimize disruption. This makes the optimization process even easier. Simply follow the steps in the territory optimizer and then when the optimizer finishes you will see all of your sales territories appear on the map. Most sales territory optimizations will take between 5-20 seconds, depending on the number of sales territories and also on the data set that is used for optimizing. 

The territory optimizer tool is a great way to start your sales territory alignment. It will not be perfect, but it is a starting point. You can now use the touch optimize or the lasso territory optimize tools to balance and optimize areas on the map that may need some adjusting. You can also use the regular touch align and lasso tools to make adjustments to the territories that the optimizer created for you. 

Territory Optimizer Existing Map

The sales territory optimizer can be used on a map that has sales territories already created or on a blank alignment map. If you want to balance and optimize existing sales territories then you can easily do that with the optimizer. You can even have the optimizer add additional sales territories to the overall design and optimize and balance all of the territories at the same time.

In order to use the territory optimizer you first need to have at least one data set imported into your AlignMix file. Even if you have sales territories created you still need some kind of data set in order for the optimizer to be enabled. Any data set can be used for optimizing sales territories. We do recommend creating a sales territory index that will allow you to balance several different factors at the same time. If you are using a sales territory index then you need to make sure to use that same number of sales territories for the territory optimizer. 

When you first select the territory optimizer while using an existing file with sales territories the first pop up dialogue box will ask if you plan to exclude any sales territories from the optimization process. Simply de-select the sales territories to exclude from the optimizer. On the next screen you will need to type in the total number of sales territories that you want the optimizer to create and optimize. If you already have 100 sales territories, and you set this number to 150, AlignMix will add in 50 sales territories to your current map and at the same time balance and optimize all 150 sales territories. 

In the next screen you have the option to select which data set should be used for the optimization and what sort of tolerance % you would like to be used for the optimization. You can also set the affinity to minimize disruption for current sales territories and sales rep locations. This option is only available if you have sales territories already created in the file you are about to optimize. 

The next two/three dialogue boxes will ask you how to treat the islands like Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Alaska. You will also see a number showing how many FTE’s are to be assigned to each one of these islands. You will have the option to leave the island un-assigned, have a dedicated rep, or have another territory call on these islands.

Click next and the optimizer will start. Most optimizations will take between 5-20 seconds. When the optimizer is complete you will see all of your sales territories appear on the AlignMix map. You can even open up a sales territory chart to see how the index or any data set is allocated across all the sales territories. 

The territory optimizer is not 100% perfect. You will still need to tweak and adjust some areas on the map. You can re-optimize groups of territories using the touch optimize tool or the lasso optimize tools. 

Touch Optimize

The touch optimize tool operates the same way as the touch align tool. You simply click on a territory and hold down the left button on the mouse. Then move the touch align tool to capture the territories you want to include in the optimization. You can even select just one territory and then have the optimizer split the one territory into two equally balanced sales territories. The touch optimize tool can be used at any time during your sales mapping project. You can use it after using the territory optimizer to adjust certain districts and regions or you can use it from the start.

Lasso Zip Optimize

The lasso zip optimize tool is used to lasso a custom area of zip codes (or any other base geography) and then create/balance/optimize that lassoed area. You can lasso several states worth of zip codes and then have the optimizer create 10 or even 100 sales territories within that lassoed area. The lasso zip optimize tool operates the same way that the lasso zip code tool does. The only difference is when you click next you simply click on the optimize selection at the bottom of the pop up. Then you can choose the optimization parameters. 

Lasso Territory Optimize

The lasso territory optimize tool works just like the territory lasso tool. You lasso the territories that you want to include in the optimization. Then when the pop up appears you click on the optimize button and then you follow the prompts to optimize the sales territories. You can even use this tool to select a single sales territory and then split that territory into multiple sales territories that are balanced and optimized. 

Exclude Territories from Optimization

While using any of the optimization tools you can exclude a territory from the optimization by either locking the territory or de-selecting it during the optimization process. If you plan on only optimizing a single district worth of sales territories then you can lock all of the other districts and sales territories and optimize and balance the sales territories that are not locked. 

Batch Rename

The batch rename tool can be used to rename all of your sales territories all at the same time. If you have manually created sales territories or used the optimizer to create territories you can then use the batch rename tool to save you a lot of time and rename and re-ID all of the sales territories in your AlignMix file. You can even have the IDs from your hierarchy (districts and regions) included in the ID of the sales territory. 

Split One Territory into Two Territories

The sales territory optimizer tools can be used to split a sales territory into multiple balanced and optimized sales territories. The easiest tool to use is the territory lasso tool and lasso a single sales territory. Then select the option to optimize and then set 2 or more sales territories and choose the data set for the optimization.