2026 FAU / IMI
SCM Case Study Competition
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International Materials, LLC (IMI) operates a network of Contracts of Affreightment (COAs) that govern how bulk cargo is shipped from Spanish origins — Almeria and Garrucha — to 18 discharge ports across the East Coast of North America.
Each COA carries contractual obligations: minimum and maximum shipment counts that must be honored per planning period. At the same time, every destination port has a minimum demand that must be met.
The competition objective is to determine the optimal number of shipments per lane per destination — minimizing total freight cost while satisfying all contractual and demand constraints using Integer Linear Programming.
FAU Supply Chain Excellence
CMS Consultants presents a comprehensive supply chain strategy for IMI, leveraging data-driven insights to transform maritime operations and bulk commodity trading efficiency.
Expertise from Florida Atlantic University's top Supply Chain Management talent leading the IMI Case Study.
A comprehensive suite of interactive analytical outputs addressing IMI's freight optimization and forecasting challenges.
A fully formulated Integer Linear Programming model identifying the optimal shipment allocation across all 12 COA lanes and 18 discharge ports. This browser-based COA cost matrix and solver tool enables real-time scenario analysis across multiple freight rate assumptions.
A Power BI–driven analysis of historical port demand, seasonal trends, and projected shipment volumes to inform future COA planning cycles.
An interactive dashboard of shipments including a map showing the shipping route and estimated time of arrival.
A concise overview of the problem, methodology, findings, and strategic recommendations for IMI's COA network planning.