Route Optimization with a Traveling Salesperson Tool in Python Language: A Case Study in a Vegetable Oil Collection Company

Abstract

Transportation constitutes a significant portion of organizational expenses, amounting to 60% of total costs, thereby underscoring its pivotal role in company operations. Effective transportation management is paramount for enhancing efficiency and fostering organizational growth. The primary objective of this article is to showcase the viability of utilizing free software solutions to address the traveling salesperson problem, mainly targeting companies with limited financial resources. Our method entails researching to identify and evaluate free software tools capable of addressing the traveling salesperson problem in the context of route optimization for a vegetable oil collection company. Through case studies and performance analyses, we aim to assess the effectiveness of these tools in comparison to commercial solutions. Moreover, we will consider factors such as ease of implementation and accessibility to determine the practicality of open-source tools. This study anticipates demonstrating the feasibility and efficacy of leveraging free software to solve the traveling salesperson problem, thereby providing smaller companies with a cost-effective way to optimize transportation costs. By facilitating the reduction of transport expenses and enhancing operational efficiency, these solutions are poised to bolster the growth and competitiveness of companies in the market landscape.