Mention the word “rerouting” in the textile services industry and you’ll likely hear moans and groans. Many operators and route reps view the process as so painful that they’ll do anything can to avoid it. Or, they’ll make cosmetic changes to a few routes and declare victory prematurely because the notion of starting with a clean slate is just too daunting. 
 
Delaying route optimization only makes matters worse. Over the years, the routes that once seemed logical get stretched and twisted through additions/deletions of customers, along with the exceptions that are made, such as giving a customer ...