Nothing is worse than a poorly planned route that wastes time and fuel. Route planning helps you determine the best way to get around all the day’s deliveries.
Whether you use maps, GPS devices, mobile apps, or road networks, they help drivers find clear and practical routes.
Route optimization software is used to plan the best path, optimize the delivery sequence, and use resources effectively to save time and money.
With the right tools, your route planning process is made easy.
Here are the eight most effective steps to select the most suitable route-planning app for your business.
1. What Are Your Routing Needs?
First, list your business’s requirements from a route planning solution.
There are different questions to consider if you don’t know your business needs.
Consider the delivery frequency, the number of stops, and whether your schedules change often.
These are important questions to ask to determine what kind of service your business needs from a route planner.
Question 1: Do you manage deliveries daily, weekly, or only now and again?
Question 2: How many stops do you have per shift? Do you need route planning for multiple stops or just a simple point-to-point routing?
Question 3: Do your delivery schedules change often?
Question 4: Do your customers need deliveries to fit into time windows, or must there be specific drop-off instructions?
Answering these questions will help you ensure that you invest in the right software and do not waste your money.
2. Is the Route Planning App Customizable?
Now that you know your business priorities, you can focus on them. For instance, a small e-commerce business might prioritize multiple stops. However, a field service company may need to prioritize real-time tracking and dispatching.
Make sure the route planner you choose has the following:
- Flexible pricing models.
- Scalable, for when the business grows.
- Cost-saving features like fleet management software.
3. Can You Test the Route Planner App Before You Buy?
Most reputable route planning software providers offer free trials so you can test features before committing to a month or year subscription.
This way, you can determine if all the software on offer is what you need and fulfill your business needs.
Locate2u offers a month’s free trial, while others like Track-POD and RoadWarrior offer a 7-day free trial. However, Circuit allows potential customers to explore all their features for 7 days, but it’s limited to only 10 stops.
Why is it still worth trying out the free trial period?
- You can explore the user interface and see if it’s user-friendly enough.
- Check if the app integrates with your operations or other software in use.
- Ensure you are happy with its accuracy in your country or region and optimize routes for your needs.
It could be a red flag if the provider doesn’t offer a free trial. You need to ask yourself why they are unwilling to let you try out the software before making a financial commitment.
4. Does the Route Planner Integrate with Your Existing Systems?
Your route planner app should work smoothly with other business tools. But how do you know when you are in the research process?
The route planning service should indicate whether the software can integrate with the following:
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Fleet management software
- E-commerce platforms
An app that integrates with your existing workflow will reduce manual work and make your daily work life much more efficient.
5. Does the App Support Routing Constraints?
A good route planning app has route optimization software that can help overcome the many obstacles presented during the delivery process.
It can determine the quickest route, consider multiple routes, and navigate drivers to various locations using the most cost-effective path.
A good route planning app has route optimization software and delivery management software that includes the following features:
- Time windows for deliveries.
- Take into account the fleet size and vehicle capacity.
- Allows driver scheduling and limits shifts to prevent overworking.
- Take into account traffic and weather conditions to avoid long delays.
An app that can adapt to your constraints will help you save fuel costs, creating the most realistic and efficient journey every time.
6. Is the Rouet Planner App Available on Multiple Platforms
Your team will be using the route planning app, and to make their lives easier, you need to make sure it works where they need it most.
For logistics managers and dispatchers – it needs to work on web-based platforms.
When it comes to drivers and field workers – make sure they work on mobile apps.
The app must be easy to navigate so managers and drivers can easily use the software you are investing in.
7. Prioritize Real-Time Tracking
The industry is prone to last-minute changes and expected delays. It can be a traffic jam or an unexpected road closure due to an accident.
Make sure the route planning app you choose prioritizes real-time tracking.
Why do you need to prioritize live tracking?
- You can monitor real-time progress.
- The software automates ETAs, which keep customers informed about delivery times.
- It works well with route optimization software to instantly reroute drivers to adjust for road closures or detours.
This way, you will keep your drivers and customers happy with real-time updates, knowing exactly what to expect.
@steve_orenstein Back in the day, GT Product Sales had no digital record of their deliveries. It's a whole different ballgame now with the Locate2u driver app and real-time tracking #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneur ♬ original sound – Steve Orenstein 🚚
8. Look for Analytics and Reporting Features
The last step before deciding which route-planning app to choose is to consider the analytical features.
Don’t only think of now; you want to improve your logistics, and you need data-driven insights.
A good planner will provide you with actual route analysis, driver performance tracking, and cost breakdowns. These features will tell you whether drivers are speeding, using fuel efficiently, and arriving on time for deliveries.
Final Thoughts: Should You Invest In a Route Planner?
You could easily read reviews from other users to determine which route planner app is best for calculating the best route.
But what works for one business might not necessarily work for yours. Following these eight steps, you can identify the most suitable software for your workforce.
NOW READ: 6 Productivity Boosts You’ll See With a Delivery Driver App
About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
