Overwhelming complexity
The sheer number of variables such as shifts, vehicles, routes, tasks that make manual planning near impossible
What is planning optimization?
Planning optimization is the science of intelligently allocating limited resources, such as employees, machines, or vehicles, while considering constraints like time windows, skills, regulations, and costs. It is not just about automating a plan but about finding the best possible plan in complex business operations.
What’s the difference?
Automation vs. Optimization
Planning automation executes predefined tasks based on if-then rules, reducing manual effort. However, tools employing this method fail to consider the broader context when assigning tasks.
They assign each task one by one, without the ability to consider subsequent tasks or look ahead holistically. This limited capability makes them brittle and require continuous human intervention.Planning optimization evaluates millions of possibilities to find the most efficient, cost-effective, and constraint-compliant solution. It dynamically adjusts, learns, and refines based on changing inputs like resource availability, constraints (hard, medium, and soft), and competing objectives to arrive at an optimized solution.
Do you recognize any of these?
The world is full of planning problems
If you find yourself struggling with any of the following, you have a planning optimization problem:
Chaotic environment
Frequent last-minute changes and disruptions that require constant adjustments
Inefficient resource allocation
High operational costs due to inefficient planning
Priorities and trade-offs
Difficulty balancing multiple objectives (e.g., cost savings vs. employee satisfaction)
Suboptimal solutions
Reliance on spreadsheets or legacy software tools that can’t handle scale or complexity
Subjectivity
Difficulty to objectively assess and compare the quality of different possible plans or schedules
PlanningAI
Advance in planning optimization today
PlanningAI takes optimization to the next level by combining advanced AI algorithms and scalable tools (ie. a Cloud platform) where out-of-the-box optimization models are deployed.
Solvers vs. PlanningAI Platforms
A barebones solver such as a constraint programming library like Timefold Solver, or MIP solvers are powerful tools that can compute an optimized solution based on constraints. It requires expert knowledge to configure, tune, and integrate these solvers into business processes.
A PlanningAI platform, is built with a solver underneath and brings together a suite of features such as:
Real-time adaptability
Adjusting plans as reality changes and limiting disruptions to the existing schedule
Enterprise integration
Enabling seamless connectivity with existing systems via APIs
Scalability
Handling thousands or even millions of data points across data sources
Monitoring & support
Allowing organizations to make the right decisions based on platform insights
Value first
Proving value early is a core principle of PlanningAI.
Whether through a POC or Pilot, each option serves a distinct role in the decision-making process, providing a low-risk, high-reward path to unlocking the benefits of intelligent optimization.
Proof of Concept (POC): Can this work for us?
A POC (Proof of concept) is fast-execution approach designed to quickly validate feasibility.
- Uses a small, controlled dataset with standard constraints
- Relies on historical results for comparison to assess accuracy
- Delivers initial optimization results that align with business logic
- Requires limited commitment, allowing for early validation before deeper investment
A POC provides a risk-free way to confirm the technology fits before scaling up.
Pilot: How much is its measurable value?
A pilot goes beyond feasibility to test real-world business impact.
- Runs on a meaningful but controlled operational scale
- Allows for custom constraints and KPIs tailored to business objectives
- Measures quantifiable improvements in key performance indicators such as cost savings, efficiency, and resource utilization
- Requires a paid engagement with a fixed scope
A pilot is the bridge to full deployment, proving not just that PlanningAI works for your business, but that it delivers tangible business benefits.
Explore your options
The choice to undergo a planning optimization project can spell the difference between having a hunch that inefficiencies are costing you and knowing exactly how much you’re losing and how to fix it.
Explore how you can start with a proof of concept or a pilot to validate impact early. Our experts are ready to assess your needs and guide you through the next steps. If optimization is the right fit, we’ll help you implement a solution that delivers measurable results.
We love a good planning challenge. Tell us all about it.