What is Route Optimisation?

Route optimisation is the process of determining the most cost-efficient route. It’s more complex than simply finding the shortest path between from point a to b. It needs to include all relevant parameters, such as the number and location of all the required stops on the route, as well as time windows for deliveries.

Other factors are:

Number of turns or intersections along the route
Right-hand turns (crossing the line of traffic)
Best or nearest driver to dispatch to the route
Traffic condition for the current time of day
Best approach (access) to a stop on the route

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The different route options can quickly add up. With just one vehicle and 10 stops, the number of possibilities is 3,628,800. But if you have a fleet of five vehicles, that number jumps to a whopping 37,267,043,023,296,000. This is why route optimisation is mostly performed by route-optimisation software with algorithms and advanced heuristics that can quickly narrow down the options.

Route optimisation is often illustrated using the popular Travelling Salesman Problem and Vehicle Routing Problem.

Route-planning software can quickly test multiple what-if scenarios to help fleets review the combinations of different route options and number of vehicles driven (e.g., Will having fewer vehicles or drivers improve operational costs?).

Benefits of route optimisation software

Route planning helps field service companies and delivery businesses plan out the best possible routes for their drivers each day, whether they are trying to provide reliable ETAs and improve customer satisfaction or get through a multi-stop delivery route in the most efficient way possible. Optimal route plans mean your drivers spend less time driving, which can increase both time onsite and the number of stops a driver can make, and have an impact fuel costs, vehicle wear and tear and the bottom line for your entire fleet.

Route-optimisation software

Verizon Connect’s route-planning software helps dispatchers and route planners calculate the most cost-efficient routes for their drivers quickly and efficiently. It also gives them the tools to respond to changes and update already planned routes in near real time as situations change throughout the day. Integrated into our fleet management software, our routing software also allows fleet managers and sales reps to improve driver management and plan for future business changes.

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Route Planning software

Route optimisation software from Verizon Connect helps the bottom line by improving fleet efficiency. Learn more about how our dynamic routing software can help.

Learn more about our route planning software solutions