Optimisation

What is optimisation?

An “optimum” is generally the best possible result within the context of compromise between various parameters or characteristics with regard to an application, usage or a goal. The search for an optimal state with given requirements and goals is called optimisation. A solution often combines “good and bad” in an overall function. The optimisation is especially used in the fields of mathematics, process planning, programming and decision-making.

Trip optimisation/ restrictions

The term “Trip planning and trip optimisation” describes the search for the most cost-effective trip plan considering industry-specific requirements and specific restrictions (e.g. delivery/ pickup details, opening hours, time windows, corporate colour, additional preparation time, preferred driver, compartment allocation, allowed trailer, product-compatibility, delivery cycle etc.).

What is beneficial about optimization in the logistics industry?

Using the optimisation function of OPTITOOL, you receive optimal trip solutions. OPTITOOL always optimises the sum of quality costs and transport costs. The lower the costs, the more savings are possible. Generally, by using OPTITOOL, you can save costs up to 15%.

Human versus OPTITOOL – who plans better?

Computer assisted optimised trips do not follow any patterns. However, the human-planned trips are normally influenced by accustomed spatial patterns and structures. The following comparison of results of manual trip planning and optimised trip planning by OPTITOOL clearly shows that the human is influenced by spatial structures and patterns. Every company aims for a profit maximisation or a cost minimisation. Particularly logistics costs play an important role in the cost structure of many companies. Also think of politico-economic decisions such as the introduction of the truck toll and increasing petrol prices that require cost savings.

Optimierung

On the figure on the right you can see a classic optimisation result with so-called “onion skin” trips, that means, smaller trips lying within larger trips.

That means: Trips which lead twice in the same direction are not necessarily a bad thing. Usually the “human” planner does not consider those unaccustomed spatial patterns such as “onion skin” trips and “twice a village”-trips.