Routing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Can I compare the planned route with the actual route the driver took?
Yes, all Descartes dispatch systems display plan vs. actual data graphically via a map presentation, as well as various performance reports.
Does your routing applications support and utilise commercial routing, including historical traffic patterns and hazardous material related data?
Yes, all Descartes routing applications have the ability to support and utilise full commercial routing including historical traffic patterns and hazardous material.
Read about Route Optimisation.
What type of mobile devices and/or solutions integrate with your routing applications?
All our routing applications integrate and interact with our wireless gateway, our wireless gateway supports various means and methods for mobile devices interaction…as well we have our own mobile application that can reside and be installed onto any device type (Android, iOS).
What are the IT options and/or requirements to utilise your routing application?
The usual option for our routing software is SaaS (Software as a service) this is often the most preferable option and is where we host and maintain the solution within our own environment, but make it available to you over the internet. It is therefore available for you and your staff to use wherever there is an internet connection. But we also have and support solutions that can be hosted by your servers where the application is within your own network.
How is your software different from other providers?
There are lots of routing and scheduling providers in the market who sell and deliver one thing, with Descartes routing and scheduling applications we have multiple solutions of our own that already integrate and assist in the complete supply chain process including full mobile solutions for telematics and Proof of Delivery (POD).
What countries does your routing and scheduling solutions and route optimisation work in?
Descartes’ routing and scheduling application works globally in almost all countries so long as map data is available for optimisation.
We can optimise routes by time and distance; but what about weight, capacity, and/or vehicle constraints?
Our routing and scheduling application fully supports the ability to optimise routes by time and distance as well as any vehicle metric such as weight, pieces and volume as well. In addition you are able to configure and utilise capacity constraints, time windows as well as vehicle requirements, to ensure the correct customer order is placed onto the correct vehicle that can successfully complete the delivery.
What is combined routing and scheduling?
The problem with most route planning software & scheduling solutions is that they are fundamentally disconnected. Descartes’ integrated approach means that scheduling and routing are one process. The number of missed deliveries can be eliminated if your scheduling system has the ability to check ‘true’ route availability and consider all the relevant logistics variables such as drive time, service time, vehicle capacity, driver hours etc. - all in real time. Combining scheduling and routing software together can help build route density by allowing available slots to be offered to customers as options for delivery. Our Routing and Scheduling application combines both operations into one. With the scheduling system being part of the routing and validation process of true logistics capacity in real time, the logistics cost is known in real time and can be leveraged to influence buyer behaviour when selecting delivery slots.
What is the difference between batch and continuous optimisation?
Continuous background route optimisation gives a better end result when compared to traditional batch optimisation techniques. More time can be spent processing the orders as they are created, available capacity and business constraints to provide a better end result. Any changes such as new incoming orders can be easily accommodated, and deliveries scheduled to give a truly dynamic scheduling capability. Orders and routes are visualised on a map. The software then considers the street level network and parameters in order to build routes automatically. Dispatchers still have full control to manage exceptions with easy drag and drop moves. Companies that have moved from ‘manual route construction’ to ‘exception management’ with a Descartes routing tool find that route planning time can often be reduced to just 15 minutes/day.
Download "The Advantages of Continuous Optimisation" Infographic
What are the benefits of mobile ePOD and route planning operating side-by-side?
Having a fully optimised route and plan for deliveries is one thing, but managing it in real-time with same day deliveries, unexpected traffic delays, damaged or missing goods and failed deliveries is another. Descartes Mobile™ Applications provide real time data communications to manage exceptions and eliminate traditional paper-based processes to improve efficiency and enhance the customer experience. Descartes Mobile™ solutions integrate with the route plans, collect comprehensive information such as proof of delivery and enable dispatchers to provide drivers with real-time updates. Data can also be used to keep customers updated on the progress of the delivery to minimise missed deliveries due to the recipient not being available to receive it.