Generative artificial intelligence, known from tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, opens up new possibilities for using complex software systems. PTV Logistics has used these possibilities to develop an interactive AI agent under the name PTV Mira. Users no longer have to search PTV's planning software themselves for answers, but can simply ask their questions to Mira. This agent immediately starts analysing, calculating, simulating and optimising and tells in clear language what the outcome is.
For more than 40 years, PTV Logistics has provided advanced technology for trip planning, optimisation and transport insight worldwide. PTV Mira makes this expertise accessible in a completely new way: instead of working with complex software, users can simply ask questions and receive immediate data-driven answers.
From software to conversation
Logistics professionals today face increasing complexity: tighter delivery times, fluctuating demand, sustainability goals and constant operational disruptions. Although optimisation technology has become increasingly powerful, its use often still requires specialist knowledge, long workflows and manual scenario analyses. PTV Mira changes this.
Users, from planners to executives, can use PTV Mira to ask the following questions, among others:
- Why is order #107 not scheduled?
- Shows the most inefficient routes in this plan.
- What happens when volume increases by 20 per cent next Monday?
- Should we open a depot in Utrecht or Rotterdam? Run both scenarios and compare them.
PTV Mira interprets intent, starts real optimisation calculations within PTV Logistics' route, network and constraint engines, compares scenarios and explains the outcome, all within seconds.
Steven De Schrijver, CEO of PTV Logistics: "PTV Mira represents an important shift for our industry. We are moving from interaction with logistics software to collaboration with logistics intelligence. Anyone who can explain a problem to a colleague can also work with PTV Mira. As teams build trust, this tool will take on more and more tasks, from explanation to advice and execution."
API-first
PTV Mira is possible thanks to PTV Logistics' long-term transformation into one unified, API-first platform. All core functionalities, such as route planning, optimisation, mapping, EV modelling, constraints and scenarios, are modular and directly accessible to AI. This architecture allows PTV Mira to go beyond just answering queries. It can actively drive optimisation engines, generate alternative scenarios and compare their outcomes in real time.
An De Wispelaere, CPO of PTV Logistics explains, "PTV Mira removes friction that has existed in logistics for years. Instead of clicking through screens or exporting data, teams stay focused on the problem they are solving. Mira does not replace our products, but enhances them by making their intelligence directly usable."
No generic AI
Unlike generic conversational tools, PTV Mira is based on real logistics intelligence, including:
- Advanced algorithms for vehicle routing
- Optimisation with multiple constraints
- Modelling of depots and service areas
- Taking into account time slots, capacity and driver rules
- EV consumption and charging restrictions
- Realistic maps and geocoding
When a user asks a question, PTV Mira does not make assumptions. It runs actual simulations and presents optimised results. PTV Mira thus represents another category: conversational optimisation.
CTO Douglas Wilson: "Because our platform is built API-first, PTV Mira can directly drive our underlying technology stack. It not only has read access to dashboards, but write access to the engines. That's the real breakthrough: conversational control over actual actions."
From hours to minutes
With PTV Mira, scenarios that previously took hours, or required external consultancy, can now be explored within minutes via a conversation. Operational teams react faster to disruptions. Strategic teams gain instant insight into business cases. Directors gain overview and confidence.
