The optimized assignment process takes work (Jobs) and assigns the work to resources (Trips) using a machine learning model to produce a solution that both minimizes overall cost and follows specific rules.
The learning model considers the vehicle cost per mile, the worker cost per hour (including penalties for overtime hours) and the overhead cost of using a vehicle (inspection time and other paperwork).
Time windows for the length of a customer visit may be set. Time windows may be identified as “hard” indicating the driver must arrive and depart within the time window, or “soft” where the driver must arrive within the time window but may depart at any time.
Assignments are prohibited when a required feature is not available with the Vehicle or Driver assigned to the Trip. Required features include vehicles with a lift gate, a driver that speaks a specific language, etc.
The assignment process works on the basis of Admin Groups – all Trips and all Jobs within a specific geographic area are grouped together, and a solution is found for those Trips and Jobs. This allows the assignment of specific Vehicles and Drivers to specific geographic area. The size of the geographical area used for assignment to an Admin Group is limited to 300 miles East-West and 300 miles North-South.