Route planning is the process that determines which orders get delivered on what routes and the sequence of delivery. Route Planning may or may not include route optimization. For example, the planning process may involve manual assignment or sequencing of stops on a route where the goal is to simply get orders on routes.
Route optimization is the process of evaluating the potential combination of options and constraints to produce a route plan makes the most effective use of the fleet resources. Today, the route planning process involves using route optimization technology because of its ability to more extensively and quickly determine the most effective route plan. Route optimization technology employs algorithms and other techniques such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to create the best results.