Overview
MotionTools allows dispatchers to optimize route tours using one of three optimization strategies: optimizing for time regardless of the stop types, prioritizing all pickups before all drop-offs, and arranging drop-offs sequentially after pickups. The optimization feature is available in the Merger and Quick Edit.
Optimization with time windows
If a stop has a time window specified by the Earliest Arrival and Latest Arrival attributes, the optimization engine will try to accommodate these restrictions. Ideally, the route will be optimized to ensure all stops are visited within their time windows. However, a driver may occasionally need to wait at a stop. This waiting time will be indicated on the stop after optimization. If a stop can’t be visited within its time window, it will be highlighted on the dashboard.
Optimizing for time
This default strategy is available to all tenants. The optimization engine changes the order of stops to minimize the driver's time on the road. To optimize, a dispatcher must mark one of the stops as the starting location. Optionally, they can also select one of the stops as the ending location. This strategy doesn’t take into consideration stop types.
All pickups before all drop-offs
When this strategy is applied, the optimization engine arranges all pickups before all drop-offs. It then optimizes the route between all stops for the shortest time.
Drop-offs after pickups in sequence
When this strategy is applied, the optimization engine ensures that drop-offs are visited after corresponding pickups, but not necessarily in direct sequence. In other words, a drop-off stop doesn't need to immediately follow its corresponding pickup. It could occur later, between other stops. The entire route is optimized for the shortest time.
