Cube-IQ Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

Getting Started
1. Why use Cube-IQ?
2. Explain Cube-IQ's Terminology.
3. How do I get my own data into Cube-IQ?
4. Are there any tutorials available?
5. It's still not clear...

Building a Load
6. I don't get any results when I Optimize.
7. Explain "Orientations" to me.

Tips and Tricks
8. How do I move through my loads / containers / packages / customers?
9. Tell me some Power User shortcuts.
10. I prefer to work in my local language, or use local terminology.

Errors
11. Cube-IQ reports an error during start-up.
12. Cube-IQ reports an error during normal use.

More Information
13. Who are some of your customers?
14. How do I purchase Cube-IQ?
15. How do I obtain upgrades?
16. I have a requirement which the system doesn't meet.
17. I still need help!
 

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Getting Started

1.  Why use Cube-IQ?

Cube-IQ has the most advanced and effective loading algorithm on the market. When compared with manually planned loads, Cube-IQ typically gets 5-10% more loaded. This translates into a very rapid return on investment. Cube-IQ also has a number of capabilities which are simply not available anywhere else.

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2.  Explain Cube-IQ's Terminology.

Cube-IQ has a few terms which are useful to be clear on:

• A “Container” is anything into (or onto) which you can load product. Examples: a truck, a 20’ container, a trailer, a pallet, a ULD, a carton, a railcar.

• A “Package” is anything which is to be loaded into a container. Depending on your industry you may be used to the term SKU. Examples: a shoebox, a paper roll, a sofa, lumber.

• A “Load” refers to a combination of one or more Packages which are to be placed in one or more Containers.

• To “Optimize” means to have Cube-IQ calculate a solution for the package / container combination you are working with.

• A “Solution” is a Load which has been successfully Optimized.

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3.  How do I get my own data into Cube-IQ?

You have a number of options here.

1.  If you have only a small amount of data, it may simply be easiest to type it into Cube-IQ’s own database.

2.  If you have your data in an existing database, it is perfectly feasible to generate a file which Cube-IQ can import automatically. Please refer to our import file format specification (link)

3.  If you’re really stuck, send an email to support@magiclogic.com requesting for assistance. We are always happy to help you get your data setup.

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4.  Are there any tutorials available?

Yes! We have a number of flash files which take you through a number of basic operations on the system.  Click here to access our tutorials.

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5.  It's still not clear...?

Staff members at MagicLogic are happy to walk you through Cube-IQ’s functions. We can arrange online demos on request. Call us or email support@magiclogic.com with your request.

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Building a Load

6.  I don't get any results when I Optimize.

This can be due to a number of different possibilities. Cube-IQ is an inherently complex system which relies on literally hundreds of variables in your data. Although we have made it as easy as possible to setup your data, things can still slip through. Here are a few things that you should check:

1.  Do your packages fit your container?

2.  Do your packages have loading rules which allow them to be placed?

3.  Do you have the correct container selection rule?

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7.  Explain "Orientations" to me.

Each package can be in one of six different loading positions: upright, upright and turned, front, front and turned, side, and side and turned. You can control whether Cube-IQ is allowed to load a package in each of these positions. This gives you extremely fine control over how your product is loaded. In addition you can define whether your packages can be stacked, or must be loaded only on top (or only underneath!) other packages.

Please visit our Package Orientation Tutorial for a step-by-step guide to understanding package orientations.

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Tips & Tricks

8.  How do I move through my loads / containers / packages / customers?

Cube-IQ has a complete database behind the user interface. The navigation buttons at the top of the program help you move through the data you are currently working with:

Please click on the thumbnail to see a full size screenshot:

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9.  Tell me some Power User shortcuts.

This is an ever growing list, please check back often for more Power User shortcuts.

1.  A faster way to add many different packages at one time is to right-click in the package grid, and choose “Add Packages.” A dialog will pop up which allows you to select multiple packages very quickly.

2. You can load products onto pallets, and pallets into a larger container in one operation with “Two Stage Loading” Please refer to our tutorial for more information.

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10.  I prefer to work in my local language, or use local terminology.

Cube-IQ is fully translatable into any language.  In fact, you can even run Cube-IQ in one language, and generate reports in a second language on-the-fly.  A translation tool is provided so that you can make further changes to Cube-IQ's texts.  A good example would be if you perhaps prefer to see "SKU" instead of "Package" in the Cube-IQ's interface.

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Errors

11.  Cube-IQ reports an error during set-up.

First, please be sure that you are running our latest version of the software (link) since you may be experiencing an issue we have already addressed with a software release.  If you still experience problems, please contact us at support@magiclogic.com. 

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12.  Cube-IQ reports an error during normal use.

Again, please be sure that you are running our latest issued software.  Occasionally Cube-IQ's database can become corrupted, particularly if you have experienced a crash or closed down the program unexpectedly.  Use "Tools->Check Database" from the menu, and then restart the program.  If you still experience problems, please contact us at support@magiclogic.com.

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More Information

13.  Who are some of your customers?

MagicLogic has over 500 registered users of Cube-IQ worldwide.

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14.  How do I purchase Cube-IQ?

Find your nearest agent from our website, or email sales@magiclogic.com with your contact information.  We will arrange for your local agent to contact you and make all arrangements.

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15.  How do I obtain upgrades?

Registered users who are within a valid support and maintenance agreement can always download our latest updates from our website.  Please contact support@magiclogic.com with your registration details for a download link.

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16.  I have a requirement which the system doesn't meet.

Good!  We like to hear about ways to improve Cube-IQ.  Please send an email to support@magiclogic.com with as much detail as possible.  If you are a registered user you may find that we are able to incorporate your requirements as part of our standard support agreement.

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17.  I still need help!

Please contact support@magiclogic.com.  Please give us as much detail as possible regarding your issue.  If Cube-IQ is crashing, please use the built-in error reporting mechanism to ensure we get all possible details.  If you are having trouble optimizing a load, please use "File->email Current Load" and send us your data.  We will be happy to take a look and get you an answer as soon as possible.

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