We have introduced an enhancement to our Route Optimization OptiFlow API: Route Duration Balancing. Responding to user requests for improved workload equity and predictable scheduling, this feature allows planners to distribute route durations more evenly across vehicles, aiming to improve operational efficiency and driver satisfaction.
Understanding Route Duration Balancing
Route Duration Balancing is a new preference setting in the Route Optimization OptiFlow API designed to allow logistics planners to achieve a balanced distribution of route durations among different vehicles. With this setting, the optimization algorithm can prioritize generating routes that have similar durations, even if this slightly increases overall route time. Such a trade-off might be particularly justified in industries where workload equity significantly impacts employee retention or regulatory compliance.
This preference is adjustable on a scale from 0 to 1:
- 0: No focus on balancing route durations; the algorithm strictly minimizes total operational costs.
- 1: Full emphasis on balancing, actively seeking equal route durations even if overall costs slightly rise.
Benefits of Route Duration Balancing
Implementing this balancing feature can lead to several operational advantages:
- Improved Scheduling Predictability: More consistent route durations enable efficient planning and resource allocation.
- Enhanced Driver Satisfaction: Fairer workload distribution among drivers can help maintain high morale and job satisfaction.
- Easier Regulatory Compliance: Balanced routes facilitate compliance with labor regulations related to driver working hours.
How Route Duration Balancing Works
When activated, Route Duration Balancing adjusts the optimization logic by considering the variance in route durations across vehicles. This modification introduces penalties for substantial duration differences, resulting in more uniform schedules.
Example scenarios:
- Without Balancing (Preference = 0):
- Vehicle A: 10h13m24s
- Vehicle B: 10h9m35s
- Vehicle C: 3h33m30s
- Moderate Balancing (Preference = 0.5):
- Vehicle A: 8h26m51s
- Vehicle B: 8h24m51s
- Vehicle C: 7h11m34s
- Maximum Balancing (Preference = 1):
- Vehicle A: 8h24m51s
- Vehicle B: 7h59m30s
- Vehicle C: 7h44m12s
As the examples illustrate, increasing the balancing preference leads to a more even distribution of route durations across all vehicles.
Increasing the balancing preference value results in more uniform route durations with a modest increase in total operational time. In this example the most balanced plan is 12m longer than the not balanced plan. Planners should consider their specific operational priorities—for instance, whether their focus lies more on minimizing costs or achieving balanced workloads—when selecting the appropriate level of route duration balancing.
Get Started Today
The “Route Duration Balancing” feature is now available in our PTV Route Optimization OptiFlow API. For step-by-step technical details and implementation guidance, visit our developer portal:
We’re excited to see how this feature improves your logistics operations and helps you achieve greater efficiency. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.
