Development of Decision Support Tool for Transport Forwarding Company Operating within Netherlands and Italy

This paper investigates the development of a decision support tool for a Latvian transportation company operating in the Dutch and Italian markets. Models and algorithms for optimizing freight routes using Excel and Python are included. Digitalization of logistics processes is recognized as a key to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Two methods for solving the traveling salesman problem were examined and compared: Excel with Solver and Python with the NetworkX library.The methodology involved collecting data from Google My Maps, creating Excel spreadsheets, and developing Python software to automate route optimization. The results showed that both methods improved route planning, reducing time and cost, as well as reducing carbon footprint.The study emphasizes the importance of integrating technologies such as machine learning and big data into logistics to increase flexibility and adaptability. Recommendations were offered to further improve and implement these technologies for sustainable business development and increased competitiveness in international markets.