Route Optimization Engine

AI-powered logistics platform to optimize delivery routes and reduce fuel costs.

Published May 1, 2024

1 min read

Technologies Used

Python

Google OR-Tools

Google Maps API

React Native

PostgreSQL

Map interface showing optimized delivery routes and real-time fleet tracking

More Deliveries, Less Fuel

Last-mile delivery is the most expensive part of the supply chain. We built a Route Optimization Engine that solves the complex Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) in real-time. By considering traffic, delivery windows, vehicle capacity, and driver breaks, the system generates the most efficient paths for the entire fleet, reducing mileage and ensuring on-time arrivals.

The Challenge

Manual route planning taking hours each morning.

Inefficient routes leading to high fuel consumption and overtime pay.

Missed delivery windows damaging customer trust.

Lack of real-time visibility into driver location.

The Solution

Developed a custom VRP solver using Google OR-Tools.

Integrated real-time traffic data from Google Maps Platform.

Built a mobile app for drivers to view routes and capture proof of delivery.

Created a dispatcher dashboard for live fleet tracking.

Key Features

Smart Routing

Optimize multi-stop routes for 100+ vehicles in seconds.

Time window constraints
Capacity balancing
Traffic avoidance

Live Tracking

Real-time visibility into every vehicle's status and location.

ETA updates
Geofencing
Delay alerts

Proof of Delivery

Digital confirmation of successful drop-offs.

Photo capture
e-Signature
Barcode scanning

Technology Stack

Python

Google OR-Tools

Google Maps API

React Native

PostgreSQL

Project Timeline & Results

Week 1-3

Algorithm Design

Benchmarked the solver against historical manual routes.

Modeled the constraints (vehicle types, max driving hours). Implemented the optimization algorithm. Simulations showed a potential 20% reduction in total mileage compared to the manual baseline.

Week 4-6

App Development

Launched driver app on iOS and Android.

Built the React Native app. Integrated turn-by-turn navigation deep linking. Added offline capabilities for areas with poor connectivity.

Week 7-9

Full Rollout

Saved $15k in fuel costs in the first month.

Deployed to the entire fleet of 50 trucks. Dispatchers reported saving 2 hours of planning time daily. Customer satisfaction scores improved due to accurate ETA notifications.