Vehicle routing decision-support system development using integer programming and heuristics: a model-driven structured approach

In this article, a model-driven structured approach is adopted to develop a decision support system for the capacitated vehicle routing problem. A repository of artefacts is developed through system initiation, analysis, design, and implementation. Data about the problem is gathered, and existing procedures are analysed and improved using key stakeholders’ knowledge to maintain continuous communication throughout the stages with involved parties. The DSS adopts mathematical programming and a heuristic to obtain exact and good solutions. The nearest neighbourhood heuristic is employed to solve large instances. IDEF0 and a problem statement are employed for system initiation. A cause-effect analysis is conducted for problem analysis. Use-case diagrams and narratives are used for requirements analysis. Logical and physical data flow diagrams are developed for system design. The system is implemented using Excel internal VBA language and the Application Programming Interfaces for Frontline Solver and Google Maps. Fico Xpress is used for exact solutions.