Route optimization is the process of determining the most cost-efficientroute. It’s more complex than simply finding the shortest path between twopoints. It needs to include all relevant factors, such as the number andlocation of all the required stops on the route, as well as time windows fordeliveries.
Other factors are:
- Number of turns or intersections along the route
- Left-hand turns (crossing the line of traffic)
- Best or nearest driver to dispatch to the route
- Traffic congestion for the current time of day
- Best approach (access) to a stop on the route
The different route options can quickly add up. With just one vehicle and 10stops, the number of possibilities is 3,628,800. But if you have a fleet offive vehicles, that number jumps to a whopping 37,267,043,023,296,000. Thisis why route optimization is mostly performed by computer algorithms andadvanced heuristics that can quickly narrow down the options.
Route optimization is often illustrated using the popular TravellingSalesman Problem(TSP) and Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP).
Route-planning software canquickly test multiple what-if scenarios to help fleets review the costs ofdifferent possible routes and resource availability (e.g., Will having fewervehicles or drivers improve the cost efficiency of our routes?).
Benefits of route optimization
Route planning helps distributors and businesses with delivery operationsplan out the best routes for their drivers each day, whether they are tryingto provide reliable ETAs and improve customer satisfaction or get through amulti-stop delivery route in the most efficient way possible. Optimal routesmean your drivers spend less time driving, which reduces fuel costs and canincrease the number of stops a driver can make in a day, which can helpimprove your bottom line.
Route-optimization software
Verizon Connect’s route optimization solutions help dispatchers and routeplanners calculate the most cost-effective routes for their drivers quicklyand efficiently. It also gives them the tools to respond to changes indelivery windows and update route plans in near real time as situationschange throughout the day. Integrated into our fleet management and GPStracking software, our routing software gives fleet managers and sales repsfunctionality to improve driver management and plan for future businesschanges.
Route Planning software
Route optimization software from Verizon Connect helps the bottom lineby improving fleet efficiency. Learn more about how our dynamicrouting software can help.
Commercial Navigation
Our Truck GPS navigation for commercial truck drivers is more thanGPS. We help keep mistakes to a minimum, reduce miles driven andimprove driver safety.
