Transport optimization for ready-mix concrete distribution

Concrete batching plants are typically equipped with modern automated high-capacity systems and provide high quality products. The plants often dispose of fleets of concrete transport trucks. However, the plants rarely use decision support tools to plan transport routes and schedule production of the mix. The decisions in this respect base on experience of the staff. The paper investigates into the problems of integrated production scheduling and vehicle routing. A concept of mathematical model for vehicle routing optimization was proposed. If implemented, it is expected to improve plant operations so that more orders can be completed and the plant potential can be utilized more efficiently to the customer’s satisfaction, offering the plant competitive advantage in this demanding business.