ID Logistics centralizes route planning with PTV OptiFlow
Streamlined planning, reduced mileage, and improved efficiency – all made possible by PTV OptiFlow.
ID Logistics has centralized the planning of its dense distribution network at its main site in Tilburg, the Netherlands. Today, just two planners are sufficient to schedule over 400 routes with 5,000 to 6,000 stops each evening – something that would not have been possible without switching to PTV OptiFlow, the advanced route planning system from PTV Logistics.
A complex network, centrally controlled
The company’s urban distribution network includes six hubs in the Netherlands and Belgium, in addition to its headquarters in Tilburg: Berkel en Rodenrijs, Alkmaar, Veendam, Apeldoorn, Echt, and Willebroek (BE). Over 400 vehicles depart from these locations daily to pick up pallet and parcel shipments and deliver them within 24 hours across the Benelux.
Of those vehicles, 325 are owned by ID Logistics. The rest are operated by subcontractors but are equipped with ID Logistics’ onboard computers, enabling centralized tracking and adjustments from Tilburg.
Why centralization was essential
Until recently, five of the seven depots managed their own planning. However, the decentralized model proved unsustainable. “It became increasingly difficult to retain planning knowledge across all sites,” explains Schuffelers. “Whenever a planner left, it created major challenges. Additionally, it was tough to recruit highly skilled talent willing to work night shifts.”
With a centralized planning department, ID Logistics now needs only two planners in the evening instead of five.
The number of kilometres driven has decreased by 2 to 4 percent, while planning time has been reduced by 1.5 to 2 hours.
The power of new algorithms
The shift became feasible when PTV Logistics acquired Conundra, gaining access to the more advanced PTV OptiFlow. Schuffelers was already familiar with the system: “I was impressed by its algorithms. As soon as I read about the acquisition, I contacted our PTV Logistics account manager.”
Previously, ID Logistics used an older PTV Logistics system that couldn’t support simultaneous multi-depot planning. PTV OptiFlow, by contrast, comes with built-in multi-depot functionality and stronger algorithms.
Tackling complexity with a smart workaround
With 400+ vehicles and 5,000–6,000 daily stops, ID Logistics presented a unique challenge. The number of transport orders is nearly double that due to frequent changes and split orders. At the time, PTV OptiFlow had not yet handled networks of this complexity.
Another hurdle: there was no ready-made interface between PTV OptiFlow and Transpas, ID’s transport management system (TMS). To move quickly, PTV Logistics and ID Logistics implemented a workaround using the old system as a bridge. “Orders flow from the TMS to PTV OptiFlow via the legacy system, and the optimized routes return the same way,” Schuffelers explains. “This also allowed planners to compare old and new planning outputs side by side, which accelerated acceptance.”
A new role for planners
The transition required planners to rethink their approach. While the old system allowed manual tweaks, the new system thrives on data-driven parameters. Instead of editing route proposals, planners are encouraged to embed their expertise into the system.
“We asked our planners to trust the algorithms,” says Schuffelers. “Evening planners don’t have time to fine-tune settings. That’s now the responsibility of daytime planners – higher-skilled staff who can analyze results, adjust parameters, and simulate improvements.”
With greater flexibility, PTV OptiFlow allows for dynamic rules – for example, different configurations for quiet Mondays versus busier Tuesdays. “That lets us actually reduce the number of vehicles needed on low-volume days,” he adds.
Results
Concrete results
Thanks to more compact routes, ID Logistics has seen a 2–4% drop in kilometers driven. “Previously, our volumes and stop density sometimes resulted in sprawling routes. PTV OptiFlow keeps them tighter. Our recent fourth Lean & Green star is largely due to this route optimization.”
The shorter planning time also benefits hub staff, who now receive loading lists earlier. “Given that order cut-off times are getting later – sometimes as late as 10:30 PM – and loading lists must be ready by midnight, that time savings is critical.”
Multi-depot planning is also in full use. “Evening planners in Tilburg create a single plan for all seven depots. If a delivery route from one hub can efficiently handle stops in another’s territory, the system accommodates that.”
What’s next: linehauls, EVs, and strategy
In 2025, ID Logistics plans to extend PTV OptiFlow’s use to linehaul planning between hubs and to optimize electric vehicle routing, for which the system is already equipped.
Strategic and tactical use cases are also on the horizon. “We want to analyze the entire network to optimize postcode-to-hub assignments,” Schuffelers says. “In theory, removing all restrictions could yield even bigger savings. But in practice, we’d lose speed if drivers no longer stuck to familiar routes.”
When evaluating tenders, the system also proves valuable. A simple data file from a potential customer enables simulations to estimate the network impact, including cost and capacity changes.
“Because we’ve now embedded planner knowledge into the system, we’re no longer limited by individual expertise. That makes future growth much easier.”
