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Route Optimisation Using AI & Advanced Algorithms

Efficient Fleet Planning with Route Optimisation Software

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

However, if there are more than four stops on each delivery route and with a fleet of more than ten vehicles, optimising delivery routes manually will be  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 planning optimised routes for your fleet: 

  • 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 in planning an optimised delivery route is operational efficiency and that is not determined by the shortest path between two points.

The time of day, traffic patterns, predicted travelling speeds, the direction of turns, and driver rest will all be taken into account by a delivery route optimisation tool. 

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The benefits of route optimisation

Optimised Deliveries

  • More accurate and reliable delivery times and ETA’s
  • Reduced driver hours
  • Reduced vehicle mileage and lower CO2 emissions 
  • Increased productivity and delivery density
     

Improved Resource Management

  • Improved utilisation of existing vehicles and drivers
  • Improved customer service and satisfaction
  • Reduced driver stress and fewer accidents
  • Reduced costs

Proven Results from Existing Customers

How does route optimisation software work?

Descartes route optimisation software calculates and compares several delivery routes using complex mathematical algorithms, AI learning, and the most recent map data from several major mapping providers. 

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 for fleets of ten to thousands of vehicles 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, compared and optimised to maximise operational efficiency. 

(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 

Descartes’ fleet 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 routes, this information is then transmitted through to the execution of the route. 

Route optimisation for planning

Companies can improve their planning and readiness for the future by running "what if" scenarios and analysing or considering a variety of potential changes, such as the impact of changing the fleet size or type of vehicles, the location or number of depots, and the change or increase in order volumes.

Descartes route optimisation software

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Route Optimisation Software Features

optimisation engine

Continuous optimisation

Achieve more efficient route plans for your fleet than traditional batch-based optimisation techniques and provide costed delivery options at the point of sale in seconds to influence buyer behaviour.

Auto route planning

Automated route scheduling

High density delivery routes are created, utilising the drivers and vehicles available to deliver more and reduce costs. Delivery routes can be based on the most efficient routes not just fastest routes. Automatically optimise final mile delivery routes to save fuel and money. 

Correct data

High quality traffic data

Very accurate route times are possible using road speeds that are based  upon the day, the time of day, the route taken and even the direction of travel, giving you confidence in the route schedule and your customers delivery times.

SAAS in the cloud

Cloud based software

Our fleet route scheduling Software is available over the internet wherever you have a connection, providing team access to our solution,  working from any location in the world, at any time. 

Accurate ETA

Accurate ETA's and delivery times

Improved customer satisfaction with on-time deliveries and a reduced office workload as the number of phone calls enquiring after deliveries diminishes.

EU Articulated Lorry icon

HGV route planning

Generate optimised routes specifically for fixed or articulated HGVs that take into account the height, length and weight of vehicles, allowing for low bridges, width barriers, weight restrictions and vehicle turning circles. 

Customer Successes

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