The shortest path and spatial decision support system implementation in the context of parcel delivery

The shortest path decision-making had been proved to be critical to a parcel delivery business. This paper first introduces a modular decision support framework, which based on the small and medium enterprise´s delivery operation model. It then proposes a Demand-Scheduling-Delivering process chain incorporate the shortest path analysis and decision as its central components. A pilot decision support system for intra-city parcel routing was set up to evaluates the delivery decision using local road network and customer address database. The illustrative application of the pilot system reveals that the MoNetBroker can be used to perform postal route calculation efficiently; visual Basic 6.0, which allows programmers to create friendly graphical user interface, and a flexible electronic map display of route that costs the least time to traverse, it offers a valuable contribution to the reporting of routing decision for the fleet and logistics managers; furthermore, one can follow these techniques to establish their own spatial decision support system expeditiously. Finally, the spatial decision support needs the integration rush-hour traffic restrictions and congestions, other criteria defined by the user, and decision under uncertainty are discussed.