Replications
The layout improvement algorithms based on simulated annealing select random pair of departments to be tested for possible exchange. Different replications of the same algorithm can thus provide different adjacency graphs or block layouts. The higher the number of replications, the more likely a high quality block layout will be constructed. Of course, more replications require more computation time. The default number of replications is equal to 20.
The number of replications can also be set with the Max. Replications command of the Edit menu.
Seed
The new seed for the random number generator. The layout improvement algorithms based on simulated annealing use random numbers to select the next two departments to be tested for a possible exchange. An algorithm will always produce the same identical results if you select the same algorithm settings and set the same random number seed. Any positive seed value between 1 and 32767 is a valid starting seed for the random number generator. If a zero seed value is specified, the computer will create a random seed based on the computer clock.
The seed can also be set with the Seed command of the Edit menu.
Temperature Steps
The maximum number of steps for each replication. A higher number of steps gives each algorithm more opportunities to improve the layout.
Temperature Reduction Factor
The factor by which the current temperature is multiplied to yield the next temperature. The factor must fall between zero and one. The lower or closer to zero the factor is, the faster the algorithm is forced to settle for a layout solution. The higher or closer to one the factor is, the more steps the algorithm has to find the layout solution.
Max. Good Iterations per Temperature
The maximum number of improving iterations for each temperature step. When the number of improving iterations exceeds this bound, the temperature is reduced to the next lower level.
Max Total Iterations per Temperature
The maximum number of iterations, improving and non-improving, for each temperature step. When the number of iterations exceeds this bound, the temperature is reduced to the next lower level.