OptimoRoute helps you quickly plan and optimize routes for multiple drivers and stops, taking into account real-world constraints like time windows, driver schedules, and vehicle limits.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the simplest end-to-end workflow, from setting up your data to generating optimized routes, so that you can get up and running with OptimoRoute as quickly as possible.
Video tutorial
What is optimized route planning?
Optimized route planning helps you determine the most efficient routes for drivers with multiple stops. Instead of manually assigning stops and deciding the order, OptimoRoute automatically builds optimized routes for you.
This is especially important when working with constraints. Constraints are rules that define what is possible for your routes. The more accurate your constraints, the more realistic and effective your plans will be.
- Multiple time windows
- Driver working hours and breaks
- Service durations
- Order priorities
- Vehicle load capacities
- Skills needed to complete a job
- Vehicles needed to complete a job
Using this information, OptimoRoute creates practical and efficient routes that balance workload and reduce unnecessary driving. The result is fewer miles driven, improved on-time performance, and clearer daily plans for your team.
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You can also use OptimoRoute to manually plan routes using our drag and drop timeline and map tools. |
Planning your first route
Here we will guide you through the steps of getting started with OptimoRoute and planning your first route.
Step 1: Configure Drivers
Start by setting up your drivers. This includes defining when they work, where they start and end their day, and any limits or requirements they have.
Routes will be assigned to drivers, so it is important to make sure you have your drivers and work schedules ready to go.
To configure drivers:
- Go to Administration → Drivers
- Add drivers to the driver directory if needed
- Click on drivers to edit their schedules, breaks and other details
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If you need to take into account vehicle usage and capacity planning, you can also add and manage vehicles. |
Step 2: Add Orders
Next, add the orders you want to plan for a specific date. Orders include the customer location and any important details such as service time, time windows, or special requirements.
To add orders, you can use one of the following methods:
- Import orders using a spreadsheet
- Import orders by copying and pasting a list of addresses
- Add orders individually
Make sure to choose the correct date when adding orders.
Step 3: Plan Routes
Once drivers and orders are in place, you are ready to plan routes.
When you click “Plan Routes”, OptimoRoute will analyze all available drivers and orders. It then builds the most efficient routes possible based on the constraints you have set, such as working hours, time windows, and capacity.
The result is a complete route plan that assigns orders, sequences stops, and schedules arrival times automatically.
To plan routes:
- Go to the “Plan and Optimize” tab
- Choose the date you want to plan for
- Review orders
- Click “Plan Routes”
- Review your planning settings
- Click “Plan”
This will generate routes based on your current settings. If needed, you can undo the plan, adjust your settings, and re-optimize at any time. You can also use manual planning tools to fine-tune individual stops and route sequences.
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Planning settings can be further configured to refine your routes based on workload balancing, regional clustering, and depot trips. To change settings for the current plan, use the planning settings window which open when you click "Plan Routes". To change global settings for future routing, go to "Settings" under the "Administration" menu. To learn more about planning settings, click here. |
Planning results
In a very short time, OptimoRoute plans the most efficient routes and schedules them in accordance with your constraints, such as:
- Assigned drivers
- Driver work times
- Driver breaks
- Delivery/service time windows
- Vehicle load capacity
- Driver skills
- Vehicle features
The system will maximize the number of orders served and minimize the total cost based on these constraints.
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Constraints are essential for creating realistic routes, but each additional constraint reduces planning flexibility. As a result, adding more constraints may lead to less efficient routes, such as increased travel time or distance. |
Not scheduled orders
Sometimes orders will not be included in the route plan. These are marked as "Not Scheduled".
This typically happens when constraints, such as time windows, driver availability, or capacity limits, prevent the orders from being assigned to a route.
If any orders cannot be scheduled, a "Not Scheduled" tab will appear after planning. This tab shows the specific reasons why each order was excluded.
You can review these reasons and take steps to resolve them.
Reviewing route plans
The resulting route plan is displayed on the map. Each route is displayed in a different color and the numbers in the markers show the stop sequence.
Order overview
The results can also be reviewed in the orders table. For each order, the system displays the performing driver/vehicle, the stop number, and the planned time for the driver to arrive at the customer location. You can add more columns to the table by clicking on the arrow next to any column header.
Route summaries
Route summaries give you a quick, high-level view of your planned routes. All columns show essential planning details, such as distance, duration, and vehicle load, so you can quickly review and compare routes. Learn more about how to review and export these summaries here.
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You can lock routes to prevent any further editing and exclude them from automatic route planning. . |
Optimized route planning in OptimoRoute follows a simple workflow: configure your drivers, add your orders, and generate routes based on your constraints. Once planned, you can review results, adjust settings, and refine routes as needed to match your operational needs.
As you continue using OptimoRoute, improving your driver settings, order details, and constraints will lead to more accurate plans and better overall performance. With the right setup, you can consistently create efficient routes, reduce travel time, and keep your operations running smoothly.
If you need further help or want a personalized demo, please do not hesitate to contact us.