About Optimization

What is Optimization?

In transportation planning, optimization generally refers to the creation and improvement of vehicle loading and route plans. Simply put, it is the solution to the so-called Travelling Salesman's' Problem (TSP). In this, a load is assigned to a vehicle, and through optimization calculations, the correct driving order is determined.

In more complex cases, both the vehicle load and the driving order are determined simultaneously (VRP, Vehicle Routing Problem). By transferring transports from one vehicle to another, multiple routes and the overall plan's efficiency are affected. NFleet solves the VRP problem, but it can also be used to solve TSP problems.

Planning Scenarios

Typically, transportation plans are made in advance, the day before, using optimization. If necessary, the progress of the transport operations can be monitored in real-time, and changes can be made to the plans, including adding tasks. Optimization can also be used as a tool to support strategic planning by exploring different operational options and costs.

NFleet supports all of these planning and monitoring needs.

Tools and Benefits

Optimization can function as a standalone tool, but it can also be integrated into other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems via a REST API.

With optimization, better transportation schedules and routes can be produced by simultaneously reducing the time required for driving and the total distance traveled. Optimization achieves these results by running algorithms that search for the best overall solution while considering the constraints of the transports. These constraints include time windows, capacities, stop durations, and task compatibilities.

Computational optimization is quick to perform. Typically, creating transportation plans takes just a few minutes.