What is a transport optimization solver?

A solver is an intelligent engine that determines the best transport planning decisions based on your business constraints and objectives. It improves your operational performance and team productivity. As a SaaS solution, this decision-support tool is highly scalable and modular.

What are the concrete benefits and ROI of an optimization solver?

On average, our clients achieve 30% savings on transport costs and a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions: fewer kilometers traveled, fewer vehicles on the road, higher filling rates, and improved productivity. Another major benefit is automation of this complex task: planning time is reduced by a factor of 5 with the adoption of our solver. The tool also enhances quality of service, planning robustness, and the ability to manage disruptions.

Which operational constraints are handled by a transport optimization solver?

Our solution RouteSolver handles the most complex transport and routing planning constraints: FTL/LTL, cross-docking, flow consolidation, multiple rotations, multi-echelon distribution, compartmentalized trucks, controlled temperature, loading/unloading congestion at docks, reverse logistics, weekly planning…

Which strategic constraints are addressed by a route optimization software?

RouteSolver also supports strategic transport planning by tackling complex constraints such as: fleet sizing, network design, visit frequency depot location optimization, zone allocation to agencies… Contact our experts for a demo!

I already have a TMS. Why should I add a solver?

A Transportation Management System (TMS) manages transport operations execution and tracking, whereas a solver brings intelligence in transport planning. It goes beyond digitization by automatically generating reliable, high-performance transport plans that respect all your business constraints. The result: 20% additional cost savings compared to using a TMS without a solver. Discover the full article!

What data does the solver need to run an optimization?

Our optimization engine requires three main types of data:

• Sites (addresses, opening hours, access times)
• Vehicles (capacities, costs, specifications)
• Operations (deliveries/pickups, volumes, specific constraints)

Can all types of transport flows be optimized, from first to last mile?

Yes. Atoptima’s RouteSolver covers end-to-end optimization — first-mile, middle-mile, and last-mile — including weekly planning and transshipment operations (cross-docking, hub consolidation). It accounts for the constraints of each link in the supply chain and manages the interdependencies between decision levels, unlocking even greater efficiency gains.

I don’t own a fleet. How can a transport optimization solver help me?

Even if you outsource your transport operations, you can optimize overall transport costs, prepare more competitive tenders, consolidate shipments, reduce and monitor your carbon footprint.

The solver also helps you make the best allocation decisions across carriers based on their pricing structures.

What if my transport plan is fixed? How can I still reduce costs with a solver?

Our module PackSolver optimizes palletization and 3D truck loading even when routes are fixed. It eliminates rough load-capacity approximations (which often cause underutilized vehicles or leftovers at docks), selects the most suitable packaging, and prioritizes order lines for dispatch (leveraging flexibility on lead times).

What if I receive new requests during a route? How does the solver handle it?

With its “control tower” interface, RouteSolver offers dynamic re-optimization, allowing you to instantly update your routing plan based on new real-time data. It also integrates robust models to better absorb incoming requests and unexpected events.

Can a solver replace a human planner?

Our decision-support solvers are designed to empower human planners, reducing route planning time by a factor of 5. They automate complex, time-consuming tasks, freeing experts to focus on higher-value activities.

What are the different integration modes for an optimization solver?

Our transport optimization solvers are available via an intuitive, user-friendly WebApp with CSV/JSON file imports or a direct integration with your business software (TMS, DMS, WMS, ERP…).

Whether you are a carrier, shipper, or distributor, transport optimization is a strategic lever you cannot ignore. RouteSolver and PackSolver finely model your business constraints and generate reliable, robust, and cost-effective transportation plans in just seconds. By combining algorithmic intelligence with flexibility of use, they seamlessly integrate into your business processes to boost transport efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and increase team productivity.