Combining deliveries can be useful when collection points, time windows and vehicle capacity align. A route that looks short on a map may still fail if one shop is not ready or a customer needs a specific arrival window.
The planning model needs realistic loading times, item constraints and priorities. Drivers should receive a clear stop sequence and a way to report delays. Staff need visibility of which orders have been collected and which remain outstanding.
Test with sample orders from a real operating day before adding automatic optimisation. Include a cancelled stop and a collection that takes longer than expected. The aim is a practical route plan that can be adjusted, rather than an unexplained calculation presented as the guaranteed fastest solution.
Related reading: Delivery and Logistics Software Solutions.