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Route Planning Software

Route Planning software is used by transportation and service dispatchers, fleet managers, and courier drivers for optimising their multi-stop trips. Route Planning solutions can help to increase the efficiency and reduce mileage.

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An expert software designed to automate and optimize transport and logistics operations in any industry. Learn more about AMCS
AMCS Transport software is designed to fully automate planning, optimization and execution of transport and logistic operations in any industry. Our platform helps over 1,200 customers and manages more than 700,000 trucks to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and lower carbon emissions. Whether your operations involve deliveries, collections, or a combination of both, our advanced software can improve your transport efficiency. By mitigating the impact of rising fuel costs and driver shortages, our solution ensures more sustainable and cost-effective transport operations. Learn more about AMCS

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Helps mobile employees perform van-sales, distribution, delivery and other activities on the go. Learn more about Dynamics Mobile
Dynamics Mobile is a ready to go platform with various mobile solutions directly integrated with Microsoft Dynamics ERP systems with the availability for tailored business flow customizations. Empowered by a cutting-edge technology, the platform is also capable of handling activities and business processes offline. By using Dynamics Mobile you elevate your business and direct sales. Learn more about Dynamics Mobile

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Easy to use online GIS and web mapping visualization solution. Learn more about Scribble Maps
Easy to use online GIS and web mapping visualization solution. Annotate maps, plot territories, filter data, analyze data, route optimize, and more. Great for teams that need to manage and create lots of maps. A low learning curve brings map digitization to all levels of an organization. Founded in 2009, Scribble Maps has been built off of direct user feedback. Learn more about Scribble Maps

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Map smarter by getting the full picture on traffic, weather and more — so you can reroute your drivers or prep for delays.
GPS Tracking, Smart Dashcams, ELD Compliance, Dispatch, Maintenance, and more in a single, easy-to-use platform. Track vehicles, trailers, and equipment in real-time. Identify dangerous driving with AI detection and exonerate drivers with the Smart Dashcam. Easy-to-use and reliable compliance with the #1-rated ELD. Reduce maintenance costs with vehicle diagnostics and service reminders. All driven by insights from KeepTruckin's leading network of 350,000 vehicles. Learn more about Motive

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Verizon Connect's fleet management software for small to medium-sized businesses with fleet sizes of 5 or more vehicles.
Verizon Connect provides business customers with the insights and intelligence needed to optimize their operations and drive growth. Through a cloud-based, end-to-end solution, Verizon Connect accurately measures a user's fleet's performance, uncovers hidden costs and opportunities for improved efficiency, while empowering them to better manage service with real-time alerts and reports. Learn more about Verizon Connect

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Join over 200K home service pros using Jobber. Organize your business, win more jobs, and get paid 4X faster. Get started today.
Easy service scheduling software built for the field. Join over 200,000 home service pros already using Jobber. Jobber helps you schedule field service jobs faster, avoid booking mistakes, and route visits efficiently—all while keeping your crew and customers on the same page. Get started today. Learn more about Jobber

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Elevate your field service operations. Blend customer, resource, and asset data on the most powerful field service platform.
Salesforce Field Service, built on the world’s #1 CRM, empowers teams to provide a connected experience. By connecting the back office to the field, organizations can elevate employee interactions and exceed customer expectations. Meeting customers on their digital channel of choice with real-time appointment updates, mobile worker details, and virtual troubleshooting to make every moment memorable. Learn more about Salesforce Service Cloud

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Web, on-prem and mobile solutions to help businesses with mapping, data management, predictive modeling, geocoding and more.
Integrated collection of GIS software products; ArcGIS offers unique capabilities and flexible licensing for applying location-based analytics to your business practices. Gain greater insights using contextual tools to visualize and analyze your data. Collaborate and share via maps, apps, dashboards and reports. Learn more about ArcGIS

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Streamline your fleet operations and reduce costs with Samsara's all-in-one platform for GPS tracking, safety, ELD compliance, and more
Samsara helps the largest and most complex operations organizations empower workers, save on fuel, and build a world-class safety program—all from a single easy-to-use, integrated platform. With tens of thousands of customers across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, Samsara is a proud technology partner to the people who keep our global economy running, including the world’s leading organizations across construction, transportation and warehousing, field services, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and public sector. The company’s mission is to increase the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the operations that power the global economy. Learn more about Samsara

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Routing chaos finally solved! Extremely easy-to-use, Route4Me plans routes for your business. Call Today & Get Started +1-888-552-9045
Routing chaos finally solved. Extremely easy-to-use, Route4Me automatically plans routes for your business and dispatches them to a mobile app with built-in navigation. Perfect for field service, field sales, field marketing, territory management, and every business requiring last-mile optimization. Route4Me provides the world's most used route sequencing and optimization software for small businesses and enterprises to over 40,000 customers. Call Today & Get Started +1-888-552-9045 Learn more about Route4Me

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Fleet Complete enhances route management with GPS tracking, route optimization, and tools to improve efficiency and reduce delays.
Fleet Complete streamlines route management, helping businesses improve delivery efficiency and reduce operational costs. With advanced GPS tracking and route optimization, fleet managers can plan the most effective routes, cut fuel expenses, and minimize delays. The platform provides real-time insights into driver behavior, fuel usage, and vehicle performance, allowing for data-driven adjustments that enhance productivity. Fleet Complete’s route management features also offer flexibility, enabling businesses to make on-the-go changes based on traffic conditions or urgent service needs. By integrating route planning with job scheduling and dispatch tools, the platform ensures that fleets remain agile and responsive, delivering better outcomes for customers and improving overall fleet performance. Learn more about Fleet Complete

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Award Winning Last Mile Route Delivery and Optimization Software. Optimize your fleet for delivery's, service tech's and much more.
AWARD WINNING Last Mile Delivery Route Planning and Optimization Software! Whether you are delivering goods or are managing service routes, Elite EXTRA's Last Mile Logistics Software is key to your success. Elite EXTRA software provides real-time route and driver tracking, automated dispatching for your fleet, advanced route optimization with full map view, hands free proof of delivery options and central dispatch to pool multiple fleets. Elite EXTRA API provides easy integration to multiple business systems for streamlined operations. Cloud based so no major downloads and the mobile app is easy to use. Enjoy monthly billing with no long term contracts. Best in class customer service team and Elite EXTRA is an Award Winning Inc 500 Best Places to Work. Give Elite EXTRA a try today! Learn more about Elite EXTRA

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
United Kingdom Local product
From initial enquiry to job completion, Commusoft’s all-in-one system has everything trades businesses need to offer a world-class customer experience.
Commusoft’s all-in-one system offers everything you need to provide a world-class customer experience from initial enquiry to job completion. - Focus on customer relationships with a 360° view of what’s happening in real-time - Automate the most complex processes to grow your business without increasing your headcount - Lift the admin burden off your team’s shoulders with 24/7 customer self-service - Convert more opportunities into sales - Generate transparent job profitability reports Learn more about Commusoft

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Badger Maps helps field sales reps sell more with mapping, routing, scheduling, reporting. Connects to your CRM to gather data better.
Badger Maps is an app for field sales reps and outside sales reps that enables them be more efficient. Badger lets the sales team to manage their territory better by combining Google Maps, CRM data, route optimization, schedule planning, and lead generation on the sales person's mobile device or laptop. Badger also sends data from the field to your CRM. Badger helps sales managers understand what is going on in the field and has reporting and insights to help manage the sales team better. Learn more about Badger Maps

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
The only choice for comprehensive sales enablement.
SalesRabbit's game-changing methodology is based on research they've done with sales pros and the top teams in the industry. It targets the main traction points of every successful organization: rep motivation, team efficiency, and sales mastery. The app is built to help your company make changes that enable peak performance at every door. Their dedicated CSMs and support staff work with you to implement these strategies, ensuring you get the results every door-to-door company hopes for. Learn more about SalesRabbit

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Cloud-based solution that provides lawn care software to do estimates, invoicing, scheduling, automated text messaging and more.
With over 40,000 users and in business since 2003, LawnPro is a cloud-based software for lawn care professionals to automate their business processes and workflows. LawnPro handles job scheduling, dispatch, automatic invoicing, automatic customer text notifications, automatic payment processing, automation of late payment reminders, online booking / client portal; potential client follow-up reminders, and much more! Learn more about LawnPro

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
PCS TMS route optimization improves delivery scheduling to reduce dwell times and optimize fuel efficiency.
PCS TMS for Shippers and Carriers offers seamless management of your entire transportation network from the Cloud. The cloud-based TMS is intuitive, efficient and affordable for shippers and carriers of all sizes. Learn more about PCS TMS

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
OptimoRoute gets the job done. The easy-to-use software plans and optimizes routes for service or delivery technicians in seconds.
OptimoRoute helps route planning businesses provide stand-out service. Using sophisticated algorithms, OptimoRoute plans and optimizes routes in a matter of seconds. Underneath a simple interface, there is an endless supply of tricks, features, and shortcuts. It’s easy to use, flexes to your needs, and gets the job done. OptimoRoute customers cut fuel and driving expenses by 20% and free up time for more important things--like growing the business. Learn more about OptimoRoute

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Plan, dispatch, and track optimized routes in minutes. Manage your customer experience with notifications and easy proof of delivery.
Tired of spending hours trying to map delivery routes? Routific is the smartest, easiest way to manage delivery operations in a small to medium-sized business. Deliver faster and on schedule, track your drivers, keep your customers in the loop with automated notifications and lower your cost per delivery. Whether your delivery fleet has one vehicle or 50, with Routific you can plan, dispatch, and track optimized routes in minutes. Learn more about Routific

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Plan thousands of pickups and drop-offs at once using our drag-and-drop route planning tool. Optimize by time, distance, or expense.
Track-POD is a single-dashboard solution for advanced route planning and optimization. Whether it's recurring routes or last-minute orders, our route optimization algorithm will process thousands of drops at once. Compare route costs, generate shipping labels, and notify customers whenever you're ready. Use Track-POD Route Manager app for Android to monitor drivers and check real-time analytics on mobile. Learn more about Track-POD

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Multi Route optimization tool that converts addresses from Excel into a route. Share routes via MyRoute app or GPS & Track deliveries.
This is the Route Planner for you, whether you own a large fleet or you’re a one-man show. MyRouteOnline offers a credits-based pricing, with various plans, to meet your routing needs and grow with your business. Create multi stop routes with as many as 1000 addresses. Use territories to balance your workload. Get a map with turn-by-turn driving directions. Export your routes to excel. Print a large map of your routes. Share routes via MyRoute mobile app or GPS. Track your deliveries. Learn more about MyRouteOnline

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
EROAD: reliable, accurate and easy to use fleet technology
EROAD delivers accurate data to drive your business, the support and service you need to keep loads moving, and easy-to-use tools that help your drivers stay safe, productive, and in compliance. Solution features a reliable tethered in-cab device and top-rated ELD. Functions include DVIR, live tracking, activity reporting, fuel tax management, and tools to streamline maintenance and control fuel costs. Get more capabilities with EROAD’s driver workflow app, dashcams and trailer tracking. Learn more about EROAD

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
United Kingdom Local product
Looking for sophisticated route mapping software that's SO SIMPLE to use? Want to save time, hassle, and money? Circuit delivers!
Circuit for Teams is a sophisticated route mapping solution that's SO SIMPLE to use. Real-time route management and optimization help you solve problems as they occur, saving your business time and money. With Circuit's easy-to-use software and intuitive app, you can create your first route and start your team using Circuit the same day! New features are released regularly. Scalable pricing that flexes to fit your business. 500m+ packages delivered using Circuit each year. Learn more about Circuit

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Optimize your delivery routes with Onfleet's route planning software. Real-time tracking & SMS updates included. Start your free trial!
Onfleet's advanced route planning software is designed to simplify and optimize your delivery operations from start to finish. Our software features real-time tracking, route optimization, and automated customer notifications, all within an easy-to-use platform for both drivers and dispatchers. Enhance your delivery efficiency with our powerful API that integrates smoothly with your existing systems. Trusted by businesses in 60+ countries, Onfleet has powered millions of successful deliveries. Transform your route planning with Onfleet. Start your free trial today! Learn more about Onfleet

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking
Headlight Solutions automates FTL routing with a comprehensive routing system, ensuring cost-effective and compliant logistics.
Headlight Solutions offers a cloud-based Transportation Management System (TMS) that automates and optimize load planning and routing. We have tailored solutions for industries such as: Steel, Chemicals, Compressed Gas, Oil & Gas, Food distribution. Our platform integrates seamlessly with existing systems, enhancing operational efficiency and providing complete visibility and control over logistics. Headlight Solutions is an innovator in distribution with a platform that automates and optimizes full truckload (FTL) multi-stop routes. Our technology ensures cost-effective, reliable, and compliant logistics, complete with proof of delivery (POD), supports invoicing, and a comprehensive history of past routes. Learn more about Headlight Solutions

Features

  • Status Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Fuel Tracking
  • Mobile Access
  • Territory Management
  • Performance Metrics
  • Delivery Tracking
  • GPS
  • Live Driver Tracking

Route Planning Software Buyers Guide

Route planning software is a type of software that allows businesses to plan and schedule routes in the most efficient manner possible, making the best use of a vehicle during a multi-stop delivery run. It can also be known as route optimisation software, as that is essentially what it does. This type of software can factor in a wide range of variables when plotting a route and organising the order of stops.

Some of the core features typically found in route planning software include the ability to automatically plan a route with multiple stops, make modifications to the parameters of that route, and factor in multiple vehicles when determining the best routes to take. Route planning software will usually have the facilities to manage territories, dispatch, and drivers. Some solutions will also feature performance metrics, allowing an organisation to clearly see which areas of its logistics operation may need looking at more closely.

The use of route planning solutions offers many benefits to a logistics company, not least of which is the reduced costs. These savings come from shorter running times, lower fuel costs, and even longer-term savings on maintenance frequency. Another benefit is the ability to give customers a more precise delivery window.

Being primarily a software solution for logistics operations, route planning software has a number of related categories, such as inventory management software, and fleet maintenance software. While not all of the software an organisation needs to run a logistics operation smoothly will seamlessly integrate with each other, many related functions can often be linked across different software solutions.

There are many things for a business to consider when looking for a route planning solution, including the size of the fleet that the software will be planning for, and the ease with which it will integrate with any related systems that are already in place. The feature set included is also a key consideration. The features included can vary from one solution to another, but certain core features can generally be found in all examples of route planning software. Some of these features are listed below:

  • Geofencing features allow for notifications when a driver has left their route or territory.
  • Fast routing and re-routing means the user is not left waiting when planning a new route, and that re-routing on the fly is possible when new factors come into play, such as unexpected traffic due to accidents.
  • Driver management features allow a company to keep detailed profiles for each of its drivers, one advantage of which is ensuring that any planned routes factor in a particular driver’s daily duty hours.
  • Territory management features enable a company to set clear boundaries for certain drivers, vehicles, or dispatch locations, which is then factored into any route planning that takes place.
  • Dynamic routing can handle a large number of variables when planning a route, including multiple vehicles, drop-offs, driver duty hours, changing traffic times, and more.

What is Route Planning Software?

Route planning software is designed to make route planning more efficient and, thus, more cost-effective than it would otherwise be. Like many things in business, route planning is a process where many small efficiencies can be gained that can very quickly add up to a substantial improvement overall. That substantial improvement translates to reduced costs, more efficient operation, and a higher quality of service to the customers and clients.

Logistics is an increasingly complex area of business that involves factoring in many variables beyond the basic shortest path from one place to another. To get the most out of a logistics operation, software needs to factor in things like traffic—including the changing traffic of various times of day—intersecting routes, territories, driver hours, and much more. Every additional variable that route planning software can account for can shave a little more expense from the cost of running a logistics fleet, which translates to substantial savings when dealing with large fleets.

Modern businesses turn to route planning solutions to maximise the efficiency of their fleet, but also to provide the best possible service they can to their customers, whether those customers are recipients of parcel deliveries, clients waiting for a service technician to arrive at their home, or any other form of business that involves a fleet operation. This type of software can often be integrated with related software systems, such as fleet maintenance software and inventory control systems, which allows a business to bring automation into the fold, further improving on the efficiency of their supply chain and logistics operations.

What are the benefits of route planning software?

The benefits of route planning are primarily focused on reducing the cost of running a logistics operation by increasing the efficiency of all aspects wherever possible. These improvements have a knock-on effect that doesn’t just improve the business’s bottom line but can also improve the service delivered to customers. Some of the more specific benefits associated with using route planning software in logistics and fleet operations include:

  • Advanced route planning facilities: The foundation of a good route planning solution is, of course, its ability to carry out advanced route planning. More than simply finding the shortest route between two destinations, modern route planning software should accommodate many stops, factor in dynamic elements such as traffic and road accidents, and consider an entire fleet and all routes when determining where best to send a vehicle.
  • Faster route planning ability: Beyond the superior ability to plan routes over traditional solutions, the matter of speed is also relevant. Modern route planning solutions can plan routes far more quickly than older software options or manual methods and, because of that, they can also be used to make changes to the route on the fly. This allows logistics operations to react dynamically to changes in the environment, such as sudden traffic due to a road accident or deliveries being cancelled.
  • Reduced travel time and mileage: One of the direct results of improved route planning is reduced mileage and less time spent travelling overall for drivers. This has many knock-on effects, such as reducing spending on fuel and making it possible to make more stops in a given time period than would otherwise have been the case.
  • Reduced customer service costs: Advanced route planning typically results in far fewer missed or late stops, which in turn means fewer situations where customers will be in contact to enquire about a delivery or complain about a missed stop. Though indirectly, this leads to reduced customer service costs.
  • Reduced fleet maintenance costs: Another indirect benefit of improved route planning is the reduced maintenance costs involved in running a fleet. The maintenance and repair of vehicles are intrinsically linked to the amount of use those vehicles are getting. While the pure cost of maintenance is unlikely to go down as a result of using route planning software, the number of revenue-generating actions (such as deliveries, technician callouts, etc.) that can be made in between service intervals will be higher. This results in an effectively reduced cost of maintenance.
  • Improved service to the end-user: Having better route planning and improved accuracy, in addition to reducing costs and ensuring delivery windows aren’t missed, also enables companies to offer better service to their customers. For example, the highly accurate route planning provided by software like this makes it possible to provide more accurate delivery windows. Additionally, the ability to track data dynamically means that a company can keep its customers updated in real time in the event of changes.
  • Better supply chain sustainability: The environmental impact of supply chains is under more scrutiny than ever, and companies are understandably looking to improve the sustainability of their operation as a result. Improved route planning reduces the number of miles, fuel, and maintenance costs for a given number of stops, which in turn reduces the negative impact on the environment. In other words, creating a more efficient logistics operation is better for the environment.
  • Access to a range of data: As with most modern business software solutions, one significant advantage of route planning software is the ability to collect and analyse large amounts of operational data. This data can be used to determine seasonal trends, identify weak points in a logistics network, and much more.

What are the features of route planning software?

The features of route planning software are mostly focused on improving the route planning facilities of a logistics operation, with all the benefits being a knock-on effect from that initial goal. Where route planning solutions differ from more basic route planners is the ability to consider the whole logistics operation, rather than just a single vehicle. When route planning software makes calculations, it will factor in every vehicle operating in the territory. Here are some of the most common features of route planning software:

  • Dynamic routing: Route planning is not just about finding the fastest route for a given vehicle. Businesses running a logistics fleet will have several vehicles, sometimes making a variety of stops, such as pick-ups, deliveries, and service calls. Dynamic routing enables the software to find the most efficient combination of routes for the whole operation, factoring in real-time constraints such as road works, traffic, driver absences, vehicle breakdowns, and any other event that could affect the planned routes.
  • Geofencing: An efficient logistics operations manager needs to stay on top of their operation, since the higher the level of efficiency, the more disruption a simple event can cause. Geofencing allows the software to draw an imaginary boundary around a given vehicle or driver's route. That vehicle or driver can then be monitored with GPS tracking, and dispatch notified if the vehicle goes outside of the allotted boundaries. This allows dispatch to immediately get in touch with the driver, find out what the problem is, and get the vehicle back on track.
  • Fast route optimisation: Route planning solutions don’t just offer advanced route planning facilities; they are also generally designed to deliver those routes quickly. This isn’t particularly important when planning routes at the start of the day, for example, but things can change rapidly, especially in a complex logistics operation. Being able to quickly adjust routes to compensate for unexpected problems should be a feature in most route planning solutions today.
  • Simple data handling: The size of modern logistics operations makes traditional methods of handling data impractical—if not impossible. Things like entering customer addresses manually into a route are just not feasible or efficient, which is why modern route planning software usually provides a number of tools to make it easier to handle this kind of data, from importing to integration and automation.
  • Integration: Logistics is an area of business that interacts with many other areas, including things like supply chain management, fleet management, and inventory control. That is why many software providers are continually working on the level of integration their route planning solutions can provide. Working seamlessly—or as close to seamlessly as possible—allows for the automation of certain routine tasks and exchange of data, which in turn results in more time-saving and efficiency improvements.
  • Territory management: Part of advanced route planning involves the ability to manage territories, ensuring that vehicles at a particular depot don’t get sent on routes that pass into other territories where there is a different depot in place. Territory management features allow businesses to define and manage their different areas to avoid any overlap.
  • Driver management: Driver management is also a common feature in route planning solutions. Being able to keep a detailed profile on drivers not only helps when it comes to things like staff appraisals and disciplinary matters, but it also allows the software to account for things like duty hours—legal limits on the number of hours a driver can spend behind the wheel in a single 24-hour period—when planning routes.
  • Analytics and reporting: Analytics and reporting tools are becoming an essential inclusion in any modern business software and route planning is no exception. Analysing data trends can help when making important business decisions, as well as informing future logistics operations policies.

What should be considered when purchasing route planning software?

When purchasing route planning software, it is important for the business to consider the scale of their operation and whether the solution will be up to the task of managing an operation of that size. Of course, there is also the opposite to consider—some operations are more modest in size, and those operations will likely benefit financially from choosing a software solution that is geared more towards smaller companies. Some of the more specific considerations that should be thought through when purchasing a route planning solution include:

  • What size fleet can the software handle? The first thing to consider is the size of the fleet that the software can manage. If a given software solution cannot handle a fleet as large as the one the company is running, it would be counterintuitive to purchase that solution. On a similar note, if the software solution is designed to handle a fleet much larger than the one the company has, it may be better to look for a smaller—and less expensive—solution. That being said, a company should consider its future needs and scalability. For example, a company with a fleet of 100 vehicles should probably not get software with a 100 vehicle cap because then they will need to upgrade or change their software if they want to add more vehicles in the future.
  • Does the software provide customer-facing features? For logistics operations that deal directly with consumers—such as delivery companies and couriers—it is worth finding a software solution that provides customer-facing features, such as the ability for customers to track their parcel in real time or leave instructions for where to leave the parcel at the delivery address. These features not only improve the quality of service being delivered to the customer but hopefully also reduce the number of customer service enquiries since customers will not need to contact the company for these reasons.
  • How does the solution handle data? Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions will typically place the responsibility of the data storage on the software provider, but, for businesses, it is still worth checking if they are satisfied with any data storage policies. After all, they may not be legally responsible if data is improperly handled by a service provider, but they will still take the PR hit.
  • Is the cost worth the advantage? A cost-benefit analysis should be carried out with any significant purchase or change of operation in a business, and this is no different. For a large business using old software or more traditional manual methods, there will almost certainly be a huge benefit from switching to a modern route planning solution. Things get a little less clear when dealing with a company that already has route planning software in place or a smaller company where the gains provided by modern route planning solutions are not as significant. In most cases, this software should provide worthwhile benefits, but it is certainly worth making sure before purchasing.
  • Does the software provide integrations? As mentioned above, route planning software will need to work in tandem with a number of other logistics software systems. Finding a software solution that integrates smoothly with the software systems already in place within a business will make the transition smoother. It will also improve the overall running of the operation by helping to build an integrated tech stack.

The most relevant route planning software trends are mostly focused on improving the efficiency of a logistics operation by using smart technology such as artificial intelligence (AI). With the foundations of the software already in place, this area of software development is more about incremental improvements than substantial change. Below are some of the main trends to look out for in the realm of route planning software:

  • Increased use of artificial intelligence: Route planning solutions are already making use of artificial intelligence, but that reliance is likely to increase as the AI methods become more effective. AI can analyse data and find the optimal routes for a logistics operation quicker and more effectively than traditional software or humans, and the nature of the technology means that it will only improve with use.
  • Self-driving vehicles: Route planning software developers will be planning for this shift in logistics operations, and it is likely that this type of software will start incorporating the functionality to manage self-driving fleet vehicles soon.
  • More automation: Route planning on this scale is all about efficiency—every small improvement that can be made enhances the efficiency of the overall operation, making for a better service, lower costs, and higher profits. Developers will be looking to automate as many tasks as they can going forward, reducing the need for human oversight wherever possible.