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RoutingBlocks : An Open-Source Python Package for Vehicle Routing Problems with Intermediate Stops

Author

Listed:
  • Patrick S. Klein

    (TUM School of Management, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany)

  • Maximilian Schiffer

    (TUM School of Management, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; Munich Data Science Institute, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany)

Abstract

We introduce RoutingBlocks , a versatile open-source Python package designed to simplify the development of algorithms for vehicle routing problems with intermediate stops (VRPIS). The package offers a variety of modular algorithmic components and optimized data structures crafted specifically to address key challenges of VRPIS, such as a lack of exact constant-time move evaluations and difficult station visit decisions. By using a unified solution and instance representation that abstracts problem-specific behavior (for example, constraint checking, move evaluation, and cost computation) into well-defined interfaces, RoutingBlocks maintains a clear separation between algorithmic components and specific problem configurations, thus allowing the application of the same algorithm to a variety of problem settings. Leveraging an efficient C ++ implementation for performance-critical core elements, RoutingBlocks combines the high performance of C ++ with the user-friendliness and adaptability of Python, thereby streamlining the development of effective metaheuristic algorithms. As a result, researchers using RoutingBlocks can focus on their algorithms’ core features, allocating more resources to innovation and advancement in the VRPIS domain.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick S. Klein & Maximilian Schiffer, 2024. "RoutingBlocks : An Open-Source Python Package for Vehicle Routing Problems with Intermediate Stops," INFORMS Journal on Computing, INFORMS, vol. 36(4), pages 966-973, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orijoc:v:36:y:2024:i:4:p:966-973
    DOI: 10.1287/ijoc.2023.0104
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