Efficient Route Optimisation Using AI & Advanced Algorithms

Route optimisation is the process of selecting the ideal path for a delivery vehicle to travel.

However, if there are more than 4 stops on each delivery route and a large fleet of vehicles, manually optimising delivery routes may become unmanageably difficult, time-consuming, and ineffective.

The issue can be quickly and effectively solved with route optimisation software, which makes it simple to take into account the following elements while computing optimised routes:

• Location of and distance between deliveries
• Speed and directional flow of traffic at various times of the day
• Cost of transportation
• Drivers’ hours and rest requirements
• Clean Air Zones or toll roads
• Hazardous materials carried and route restrictions

The ultimate goal is efficiency, although it's possible that it's not always determined by the shortest path between two points. The time of day, traffic patterns, predicted travelling speeds, the direction of turns, and even any necessary driver rest pauses will all be taken into account by a solid delivery route optimisation tool.

Optimise your routes today

How does route optimisation work?

The Descartes Route Optimisation Tool calculates and compares several delivery routes using smart mathematical algorithms, AI learning, and the most recent map data from several major mapping providers.

The Descartes route optimisation engine has the processing power and capacity to handle millions of calculations per minute, enabling continuous route optimisation of deliveries and outcomes in a matter of minutes.

Even as delivery orders are received, and sometimes even up until a vehicle departs the depot, routes are continually computed and compared.

(Infographic: - Advantages of continuous route optimisation)

These routes compare numerous possibilities and take into consideration;

• Time of day
• Traffic flow
• Season of the year
• Length of time required for each stop
• Allocation of deliveries based upon the type of vehicle or person's skill
• Type of vehicle and any restrictions such as emission zones or low bridges 

The routing engine can also choose a route based on a vehicle's height, length, weight, and width in order to avoid low or weak bridges and width constraints, resulting in different paths for a van compared to a large lorry. 

In order to ensure that the vehicle's satellite navigation system has the proper dimensions for the vehicle and routes that avoid restricted sites, this information is then transmitted through to the execution of the route.