Clustering is an optimization option that groups orders geographically when scheduling them to drivers in order to avoid overlapping routes. In this article, we will explain how it works.
| Who can use this feature | |
| All plans | |
| All users | |
| All regions | |
What is clustering?
Clustering is a route optimization option that reduces overlap in the routes and keeps routes segmented geographically, when no other restrictions prevent otherwise.
It's good to note that time windows, driver availability, vehicle capacity, driver assignment, service areas, priorities, skills, vehicle features and other parameters can impact total geographical segmentation of routes, even when using clustering.
Additionally, the reason the software doesn't automatically cluster routes is that marginal time and distance efficiencies can be found when not clustering. Keeping drivers separated into non-overlapping routes, however, often has benefits for dispatchers and drivers that mitigates any dip in efficiency.
Using clustering in route optimization
| Clustering needs to be enabled before you can use it. Please reach out to support to enable this feature. |
To route with clustering:
- Make sure clustering is enabled for your account
- Go to “Plan & Optimize”
- Click “Plan Routes”
- Click the checkbox for “Prefer orders to be clustered”
- Make any other changes needed in the planning settings
- Click “Plan routes”
The system will automatically plan your routes taking into account the preference for orders to be grouped geographically, trying to avoid overlapping routes.
Results
When using clustering, your routing results will look a bit “neater” on the map, with most of the orders grouped geographically.
If after using clustering you still see some route overlap, check the other parameters set for the orders in question for competing restrictions like time windows, driver assignment or similar.