Optimización de rutas de distribución de cilindros de gas de la empresa LojaGas, cantón Loja

Abstract

Abstract: The research aimed to examine the effect of route optimization for the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders by the LojaGas company in the Loja canton, by comparing the current operating system with two scenarios featuring improved routes. The study was conducted using a mixed methodological approach. Historical mileage data, corresponding to twenty-six weeks of operation, was examined from a quantitative perspective. Interviews with drivers responsible for urban distribution were taken into account from a qualitative point of view to determine actual traffic and operating conditions. A baseline was therefore set at an average of 119.72 kilometers traveled each week. Two comparative scenarios were produced from the optimization: scenario A, which has a weekly average of 102.13 kilometers, equivalent to a reduction of 14.69%, and scenario B, with a weekly average of 109.60 kilometers, representing a decrease of 8.46%. Both scenarios show a reduction in kilometers traveled compared to the current system. The findings, as a whole, support the idea that route optimization makes it possible to reduce unnecessary travel and increase the operational efficiency of the distribution system, providing technical support for logistics decisions at LojaGas.