Best 5 Route Optimization Software to Try in 2024 [In Depth Guide]

NextBillion.ai’s Route Optimization API stands as a robust solution for solving complex multi or single-vehicle routing problems.

It offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern fleet management and logistics operations. 

Who is it for?

This API caters primarily to mid-sized and large enterprises struggling with the complexities of fleet management across various industries. It’s especially ideal for organizations engaged in last-mile deliveries, middle-mile transit, and field service operations. 

Additionally, government agencies can leverage their capabilities for efficient logistical planning and execution.

Route Optimization API Features

The following features stand out in Route Optimization API.

Feature 1:  Multi-Dimensional Capacity Constraint

The Multi-Dimensional Capacity Constraint feature is designed to handle complex logistics scenarios where vehicles must carry loads defined by multiple capacity dimensions simultaneously. This feature allows for more accurate and efficient vehicle utilization by considering various capacity limitations beyond just weight or volume.

This Capacity constraint is defined within the Vehicle Object in Route Optimization API. This parameter represents the vehicle’s ability to carry different types of loads, each specified in distinct units. 

For example, a vehicle might be described by three capacity dimensions: volume, weight, and number of items (or pallets). Each dimension has its own limit, ensuring that the vehicle can carry a diverse range of loads without exceeding its total capacity in any one dimension.

Example

Consider a construction company with a fleet of trucks. Each truck has different capacity limits for weight, volume, and the number of construction workers it can transport. For instance, a truck may have:

• A weight capacity of 100 kg
• A volume capacity of 10 cubic meters
• A capacity to carry 5 construction workers

These capacities can be represented as an array: [100, 10, 5].

Feature 2: Over 50 Routing Constraints

The Route Optimization API can handle over 50 routing constraints making it an invaluable tool for modern logistics and transportation. 

By addressing these varied and complex constraints—ranging from time windows and vehicle capacity to traffic conditions and loading sequences—the API ensures that routes are not only efficient but also compliant and reliable. 

This comprehensive constraint management helps businesses improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Feature 3: Re-optimization Features for Unassigned and New Tasks

The Route Optimization API’s re-optimization features for unassigned and new tasks provide a flexible and powerful solution for dynamic logistics environments. 

This capability allows businesses to adjust their existing route plans seamlessly, accommodating new and unassigned tasks with minimal disruption. Here’s how it works:

Re-Optimization for New Tasks

In industries with unpredictable order frequencies, such as grocery delivery or courier services, businesses often face the challenge of integrating new high-priority orders into an existing route plan. The Route Optimization API enables users to re-optimize their routes without having to discard the current plan entirely.

For instance, once a delivery plan is set and vehicles are loaded, new high-priority orders might come in. Instead of rebuilding the entire route plan from scratch, the API allows businesses to adjust the current plan to include these new tasks. 

Users can reassess and tweak existing constraints—such as the number of vehicles, shift timings, vehicle capacities, or delivery time windows—to integrate the new orders. By submitting a re-optimization request, the API efficiently incorporates new tasks into the existing solution, ensuring minimal changes to the original plan and maintaining operational continuity.

Re-Optimization for Unassigned Tasks

Handling unassigned tasks is another crucial aspect of route optimization. Sometimes, initial route plans leave certain tasks unassigned due to constraints like limited vehicle capacity or restrictive delivery windows. 

The API’s re-optimization feature helps address this by allowing businesses to reallocate resources and adjust constraints to assign these unassigned tasks.

This process involves using a previous solution with unassigned tasks and reconfiguring the variables to better fit these tasks into the route plan. 

By adjusting parameters such as the number of vehicles, shift timings, and vehicle capacities or modifying task time windows, users can increase the chances of successfully assigning all tasks. 

The API then integrates these unassigned tasks into the existing route plan, ensuring a more comprehensive and efficient solution.

The re-optimization features for unassigned and new tasks in the Route Optimization API empower businesses to handle dynamic logistics challenges efficiently. By allowing seamless integration of new tasks and effective reassignment of unassigned tasks, this feature ensures that route plans remain flexible, efficient, and responsive to real-time demands.

NextBillion.ai’s Route Optimization API Pricing

NextBillion.ai adopts a flexible pricing model designed to accommodate the diverse needs and budgetary constraints of its customers.

The pricing plans can be tailored based on parameters such as the number of assets, tasks, or API calls. By analyzing each customer’s specific use case, NextBillion.ai ensures that pricing remains transparent, predictable, and aligned with the value delivered. 

This approach enables businesses to scale their operations without incurring excessive API expenses, thus facilitating sustainable growth and optimization.

Read the case study on how Truck Logistics Solution Provider Achieves Sustainable Growth and Slashes Costs by 30%

Route Optimization API Pros and Cons

✅  NextBillion.ai provides a 21-day free evaluation period in which the solutions team will take your data and generate a route plan using the API, helping you make an informed decision on whether or not to go for it.

✅  With the help of NextBillion.ai’s solid support team, you can easily integrate the API with your tech stack in 7-days.

✅  NextBillion.ai doesn’t charge for any new features or capabilities that are added to the API.

❌  The route optimization API may not be suitable for small-scale operations.

❌  Currently, there are only two supported driving modes, car and truck.