The majority of fleet operators have been using some form of routing and scheduling software for many years.
But, how do you know if your existing solution is still effective or if there is something better and it’s time to replace it?
Do you recognise these issues?
- Route planners manually create routes rather than use the routing software.
- You want to introduce new delivery services, but the software can’t support them.
- Planners and dispatchers have to work outside of the planning system to make last-minute changes.
- You have customer service issues because you can’t react quickly or correctly to last-minute orders or changes in a timely and effective manner.
- Drivers change delivery sequences because they believe route plans are not feasible or take too much time.
- Delivery service times (ETAs) are guestimates and that results in more inbound calls.
- You don’t know how drivers are progressing on routes unless they call in with problems.
- The drivers use multiple mobile apps, only an app for basic POD or no app.
- You cannot easily measure plan versus actual route performance or individual driver performance.
- The mapping is often out of date.
- Your current vendor does not have a clear, customer-driven roadmap for future development and product enhancements.
- You have to deal with a number of suppliers for routing, mapping, telematics, drivers’ hours compliance, customer notifications and ePOD etc.
If you are suffering from any of these issues it will hurt your business and hold you back.
A modern and effective route optimisation solution will not only mitigate these issues but will be able to accommodate growth and changes in customer demands and delivery services.
Four key factors when choosing a route optimisation software supplier
1. Type of system
An internet-based SaaS solution offers cost savings and numerous benefits over in-house software. It's scalable, accessible anywhere with an internet connection, always up-to-date without the hassle of updates or backups, and requires no special hardware. SaaS routing enables cross-depot fleet visibility, optimizing delivery density.
2. The supplier
When assessing a supplier, consider their transparency. Publicly listed companies provide clear ownership and financial information. Dealing with such a company is different from a private one with unclear ownership. Choose wisely for long-term confidence.
3. The products
Did the supplier create the product themselves? Working with the software developer ensures quick issue resolution. Do they offer other products and have funding for development? A supplier with a fleet management portfolio can maximize operational efficiency, enhance the customer experience, and ensure compliance, offering a unified solution.
4. Information security
Data privacy is a rising concern due to GDPR and cyber threats. Is the supplier ISO27001 accredited? Do they control access with unique usernames and passwords for different roles? Do they meet data confidentiality, integrity, and availability standards?
Success Stories
“We were impressed by the investment and support that Descartes put into this product and the roadmap. This technology has allowed us to be agile, forward-thinking and work optimally with our fleet with benefits on costs, sales and satisfaction across the business and with our customers. ”
Edward Corbett - Head of Programme
Delivery capacity increased 25%
OTIF deliveries increased 15%
Fleet size 500+
“Redefining the Customer Experience in the Tyre Replacement Market”
Jobs/van/day increased 194%
Mileage reduced 13%
Fleet size 400+
“Overnight our business was transformed. Our planning team and drivers love using Descartes.....Since introducing Descartes, Stop Start’s daily delivery volume has increased 50%. This rate of growth would not have been sustainable without digital planning tools. ”
Andrew Bayne, Managing Director
Daily planning time reduced 75%
Annual distribution costs saving £450k
Delivery capacity Increased 12%
“We’re delighted with the solution and the service we have received from Descartes. Ultimately, Descartes is helping us minimise our operational costs through its route planning and optimisation solution and is actively contributing to our corporate and social responsibility and sustainability efforts.”
Simon Macdonald, National Transport Manager
Avg distance driven/delivery reduced 2%
Manual processes Replaced
Nationwide stores 300+
“Descartes Reservations™ and Route Planner™ solutions were integral to our strategy of offering a more extensive, but unified delivery service. The advanced optimisation capabilities and architecture of the Descartes solutions were critical, bringing new delivery service options to our customers in an economically feasible way. ”
Andrew Gay - Systems Manager
Fulfilment costs reduced £1.8m
Increased delivery productivity 35%
Delivery windows provided at POS
