Greenplan Introduces Algorithm for Optimizing Delivery Routes

The DHL-funded start-up Greenplan introduces an algorithm for optimizing delivery routes. This contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Cost savings of up to 20 percent are expected.

(Bonn) Greenplan, a DHL-funded start-up, is introducing a powerful algorithm for optimizing delivery routes and stop sequences in logistics. The algorithm utilizes the full potential of intelligent route planning. It uses all available information and data to optimize transport routes across the entire delivery area, while existing solutions only address smaller sub-areas due to the complexity of the task. Greenplan sets new standards and supports the efficiency and sustainability efforts of the industry without compromising planning quality. The algorithm was developed by scientists from the University of Bonn in collaboration with DHL logistics experts. Greenplan assists customers in road freight transport and last-mile deliveries, as well as field service personnel in implementing their service plans.

Making the Industry More Efficient with Greenplan

“With Greenplan, we want to make the industry more efficient and sustainable. With our intelligent and powerful algorithm, we solve the complex task of efficient route planning by providing an accurate and reliable solution that can be integrated into existing systems,” explains Dr. Clemens Beckmann, CEO of Greenplan. “Unlike almost all other tools on the market, Greenplan always calculates routes based on historical traffic patterns available at the street level. This allows our customers to save up to 20 percent of costs compared to standard route optimization solutions and reduce their CO2 footprint accordingly, as they simply drive fewer kilometers.” Customer needs are constantly changing: The growing e-commerce market is further increasing the demand for same-day deliveries, while contract logistics increasingly relies on just-in-time processing. Greenplan’s algorithm is prepared for such cases and can process not only destination addresses but also individual delivery time windows at the shipment level. By considering time-dependent, street-specific driving times, Greenplan also finds the optimal start time for delivery tours. These optimized tours increase predictability for customers and also convince drivers. The solution takes into account relevant variables such as different vehicle load capacities and compliance with regulations and also supports emergency planning in case of incomplete data availability. These features lead to a robust solution that can be adapted to various situations or customer-specific changes.

Greenplan Provides Transparency on Delivery Routes

With Greenplan, customers can advance their own environmentally friendly strategies. The reduction of CO2 emissions through shorter distances and fewer tours becomes possible. Greenplan not only provides transparency regarding the estimated CO2 footprint based on the planned delivery routes, but the solution also considers CO2 emissions per vehicle type to plan the most efficient tours. Furthermore, the algorithm is capable of taking into account specific parameters for electric vehicle fleets, such as range per vehicle. All in all, the intelligent algorithm offers cost reductions and lower CO2 emissions for the same delivery work. This not only helps logistics companies but also supports field service personnel who need to create schedules for their employees.The logistics industry is a highly fragmented sector with many solutions for individual processes. To leverage all capacities and optimize resource management, Greenplan partnered with the Research Center for Discrete Mathematics at the University of Bonn with the aim of developing an intelligent algorithm that can meet individual customer requirements while ensuring short computation times. Photos/Graphics: © DPDHLwww.dpdhl.com