Glossary term
Route optimization
Also called: routing optimization · service routing
Short definition
Route optimization is the practice (and tooling) of sequencing visits and territories to reduce travel time and slack while respecting skills, parts, access windows, and honest service durations.
Related terms
Expanded explanation
Full definition and contextExpand
Optimization is not only geometry. A “perfect map” that ignores skill fit or parts readiness increases callbacks—often more expensive than extra miles.
Strong teams separate tactical routing (today’s board) from strategic territory design (seasonal capacity, customer density, and skill depth).
Measure optimization with completion-quality metrics, not travel alone.
Industry relevance
High value for dense metro routes, PM waves, and mixed emergency/planned portfolios where travel dominates unpaid time.
Industry tags: field service general, hvac