Using the work done in [5], routing cost can be improved. Figure 2 shows the previous approximate Pareto front resulting from the left figure with an improved routing. With low frequencies, the routing cost can be reduced greatly.

![0_image_0.png](0_image_0.png)

A test program has been developed and is used to test new and innovative strategies. Figure 3 shows a typical screen shot of our solver. The upper part on the left gives the name of the instance and the vehicle capacity. Then below, the decision-maker is able to display the **different alternatives computed** by the software.

For the current alternative, and the current period, a text window gives the inventory level, the number of vehicle used and information on the tours. The box in the bottom left part represents the evolution of the total inventory over all periods. The large window on the right presents the current alternative and period routing. Green bars are the stock level at the customer location.

## 5 Future Work

Several directions are now followed for the perspectives of our work. First, we are now improving our routing solver to avoid using an external software and create more intricated and embedded delivery strategies. Using the visual tool, we have already also noted some side effects that we could improve in our future research. A possible approach might be to change the synchronization of the customers at the beginning of deliveries or group customers depending on their geographical location.

## References

[1] C. Archetti, L. Bertazzi, A. Hertz, and M.G. Speranza. A hybrid **heuristic for an inventory-routing**
problem. *INFORMS Journal on Computing***, 2011. accepted.**

[2] F. Baita, W. Ukovich, R. Pesenti, and D. Favaretto. Dynamic routing-and-inventory problems: A
review. *Transportation Research-A***, 32(8):585–598, 1998.**
[3] L. Bertazzi, M. Savelsbergh, and M.G. Speranza. The Vehicle Routing Problem: Latest Advances and New Challenges**, chapter Inventory Routing, pages 49–72. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC,**
New York, USA, 2008.