ORTEC, a global leader in advanced logistics optimization and a proud member of the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), will showcase its next-generation Foodservice Solution at the upcoming IFDA Solutions Conference in Columbus, where attendees can experience firsthand how technology is transforming foodservice distribution. Designed specifically for the industry, the ORTEC Foodservice Solution combines advanced route and load optimization, real-time operational oversight, and intelligent delivery zone planning to help distributors cut costs, improve service performance, and adapt faster to market changes. 

Optimization – Smarter, More Efficient Planning

Through advanced analytics and powerful optimization engines, ORTEC enables foodservice distributors to reduce fleet mileage, save fuel, and minimize operational costs, all while improving on-time performance. The solution also maximizes truck utilization by balancing cube and weight capacity, ensuring fewer trips and better productivity. Precision delivery windows help operators consistently meet customer expectations, and streamlined scheduling improves driver productivity while reducing overtime and fatigue. These benefits combine to create more efficient, scalable operations capable of delivering high service levels even in complex, rapidly changing environments. 

Control Tower – Real-Time Operational Oversight

In addition to optimized plans, the ORTEC Foodservice Solution empowers companies with the Control Tower, a live operational command center that monitors every vehicle, order, and delivery in real time. This allows planners and dispatchers to detect potential delays early, take corrective action before customers are impacted, and dynamically re-route trucks as conditions change. By connecting planners, drivers, dispatch teams, and customer service in one view, the Control Tower ensures informed decision-making and rapid problem resolution. The result is a shift from reactive trouble-shooting to proactive service assurance, helping companies protect service levels regardless of external disruptions. 

ZEM – Zone Engineering Manager

The Zone Engineering Manager (ZEM) brings another strategic layer to the Foodservice Solution by helping distributors design and optimize delivery territories and schedules for maximum efficiency. Using AI-powered analytics, ZEM balances delivery zones to reduce travel time and evenly distributes workloads, sets optimal delivery days based on demand and capacity, and allows planners to run ‘what-if’ simulations before making changes. The software also integrates deeply with daily routing to ensure strategic zone design flows seamlessly into live execution. By aligning territory design with operational realities, ZEM gives companies a competitive edge in both cost control and service quality. 

"When we work with foodservice distributors, the conversation always comes back to three areas: efficiency, service, and adaptability," said Aaron Geiger, Director of Sales at ORTEC. "The Foodservice Solution has been designed to deliver measurable improvements for each of these factors. Whether it’s reducing miles driven, improving on-time delivery, or creating a better driver experience, our customers can see immediate gains while building a stronger foundation for long-term success."

"What makes our platform unique is how seamlessly it connects strategic planning, real-time operational visibility, and execution," added Daphne de Poot, VP Product at ORTEC. "By combining optimization algorithms, live Control Tower monitoring, and AI-driven zone engineering in one integrated solution, we’re helping foodservice distributors make smarter, faster, and more informed decisions — every single day."

Visitors to Booth #214 at the IFDA Solutions Conference will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations of these capabilities, speak directly with ORTEC experts, and learn from real-world case studies of measurable efficiency gains, stronger service performance, and more sustainable operations. While there, attendees can also take part in ORTEC’s playful “Where’s My Duck?” contest, picking up a branded ORTEC rubber duck and entering for a chance to win prizes by sharing its travel adventures on LinkedIn.  

About The International Foodservice Distributors Association

The International Foodservice Distributors Association is a leading trade association serving the foodservice distribution industry, representing companies that deliver food and food-related products to restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and other foodservice operations across the United States.