Application Case 6.5: Metro Meals on Wheels Treasure Valley Uses Excel to Find Optimal Delivery Routes (pg 334-335)
1.
What were the challenges faced by Metro Meals on Wheels Treasure Valley related to meal delivery before adoption of the
spreadsheet-based tool?
One of the first challenges started with the goal to have food delivered within 90 minutes of the driver leaving for delivery. To do this
two schedulers had to work on a time consuming process to determine how to do that by using a manual process of scheduling the
routes. First they determined the stops per day based on meal recipients, mapped out the route for minimum stops, and then
manually entered those into a separate program for volunteers that gives turn by turn navigation.
2.
Explain the design of the spreadsheet-based model.
The spreadsheet first had a input system that housed the name, address and meal requirements. Then the interface in Excel would
work with a application programing interface (MapQuest) that would calculate travel time and distance needed for the meal delivery.
The program first validates the addresses - for up to 30 - and then calculates the most efficient route with turn by turn navigation for
the drivers.
3.
What are the intangible benefits of using the Excel-based model to Metro Meals on Wheels?
One of the intangible benefits was the increased satisfaction and retention of the volunteers. The Excel-based model can more
accurately predict routes and timing which shows a level of respect for the volunteers time. The increased level of satisfaction can
also be passed on to the community being served. By creating a more timely delivery process they also ensured that community
members had food delivered that was healthy and at appropriate temperatures.
