How do I run a plan?

Please refer to Arrow Quick Start Guide for step-by-step instructions for running various plan types.
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Can I create new Project templates for my work?

Yes. Navigate to Project Configuration under Settings and select “Create new”. When prompted, select “Arrow” or your current project template as Parent.

Once created, you can navigate to User Settings to confirm the new project is now set as your default.

What is the difference between INTER and INTRA pruning strategies?

INTRA pruning strategy applies optimization constraints (Budget, Coverage, Plan IRR targets) individually to every service area selected, i.e. every service area aims to achieve same budget or coverage targets.

INTER pruning strategy applies optimization constraints to the whole plan. For example, 80% coverage target input aims to achieve 80% coverage across all areas and locations selected into optimization, with coverage achieved in individual service areas varying based on where best investment returns are possible.

Segment IRR-based optimizations evaluate attractiveness of individual network nodes and are thereby not bound by service area-level constraints (i.e. the setting is irrelevant).

For plans involving just a single service area this setting is irrelevant, and both options imply same logic to be applied to the optimization.

Do I have to keep Arrow window open at all times when plan is running? Can I do multiple runs at the same time? How do I run my plan “in the background”?

Once the plan has been started and optimization is running, it is not necessary to keep the browser window open. All the computing is done by the infrastructure in the cloud, and the user can proceed to immediately set up another plan and execute it. It is advisable however, to limit the number of simultaneous plans being run, as the compute resource is shared across all active plans, and exhausting it will result in significantly slower plan runtimes across the board.

Please also note that prior to closing browser window the plan needs be saved. Only saved plans are accessible via “Open an Existing Plan” functionality later on, and all unsaved work will be lost.

What is the best way to keep track of plans that I’m running?

It is mostly up to user’s preference how to track his/her plans and iterations. Typically, users employ a combination of descriptive plan names, with dates, and “Plan Settings” report that itemizes data and resource selections used in each plan.