A Novel Logistics Optimisation Module for Improving Response Deployment of Critical Resources

Abstract

Effective crisis response requires both situational awareness and efficient coordination of logistics resources across multiple agencies. While Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence / Incident Management Systems (C3I/IMS) provide a Common Operational Picture (COP) and vehicle dispatching, they lack embedded optimisation capabilities for dynamic routing and allocation. This work operationalises logistics optimisation within a real C3I/IMS by introducing a module that formulates response logistics as a Multi-Depot Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with heterogeneous fleet characteristics, inventory coupling, compatibility constraints, and explicit time components. The module functions as an event-driven intelligence layer, automatically generating allocation plans, geospatial routes, Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) predictions, and diagnostic outputs. A synthetic civil protection scenario demonstrates system integration and workflow coherence. The contribution lies in embedding optimisation-driven logistics intelligence within a multi-agency command-and-control environment, improving response efficiency, transparency, and interoperability, while also supporting preparedness through integrated simulation capabilities.