4 Things To Consider Before Route Planning

There are several things to consider before implementing a route planning system. Each one depends on the particular goals of a business. This article explains some of the things to be considered such as optimization parameters, capacity utilization, real-time monitoring interactions, and aspects regarding fright ownership. 

Optimization parameters

There are some optimization parameters that are commonly used to configure any route planning system. Prioritizing one of them depends on the particular goals of a business. There might be a smaller business that wants to reduce costs, another one might choose to shorten the distance traveled and a different one might want to deliver faster which means that they will prioritize the total time spent on the route. 

Capacity utilization 

One very important thing to consider is the loading capacity of each vehicle or the working capacity of each person (salesman) performing a route. Bigger loading capacities allow for more stops and more merchandise to be delivered, nonetheless, bigger loading capacities also have traffic restrictions and may spend more time on the route. On the other hand, smaller vehicles might be more agile when traveling to certain areas but companies might need more units to deliver the orders on time. 

Real-time monitoring integration 

Route optimization presents a fundamental problem. You might optimize a route using technology based on the factors shown above but, there is always a slight chance that things don’t go as planned. A flat tire, a collision, mother nature, and more can affect the operation even after planning a route using the most advanced technology. 

When unforeseeable things occur, it is important to consider a complement to your routing strategy. Drivers and other mobile workers that perform routes for your company need to be connected to a control tower powered by agents that can help them adjust their plans on the fly.  

Twnel is conversational automation software that helps drivers and other mobile workers automate processes such as proof of delivery (ePoD), customer signatures, and more while optimizing the routes and assisting them through a control tower so your business can keep going.  

Third-party vs owned fright 

If you are considering route planning systems for your company chances are that you have your own fleet or operate through 3PL (third-party logistics providers). In that case, consider that when owning a fleet, drivers don’t have any other choice than to adopt the technology the company wants. On the other hand, when you operate with third-party providers, you might find some resistance when implementing the use of any external technology.