Improvement of Drug Delivery Routes Through the Adoption of Multi-Operator Evolutionary Algorithms and Intelligent Vans Capable of Reporting Real-Time Incidents.

An improved solution for drug distribution is presented in this paper. It is divided into two parts: i) a multi-operator evolutionary algorithm in charge of calculating the initial delivery routes and ii) an ambient intelligence-based support system able to tracing the merchandise along the distribution route. The first one establishes the routes to be followed by the vehicles, based on a proposal of estimation of the travel times. The second one is formed by a system able to recognize and trace the drugs inside each vehicle. A laboratory experimentation has been conducted in order to demonstrate the adequacy of the route calculator. In addition, a field experimentation has been carried out by implementing the traceability system in a delivery van which of the drug distributor in the city of Bilbao. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]