Modern route planning and optimization tools are transforming the way enterprises execute delivery and logistics operations.
Keeping goods on the move is absolutely key for a logistics business - which means that efficient route planning is essential.
If you’re in the market to get onboard with route planning software, there’s a good chance that you’ve quickly become overwhelmed with the options available and, so, in this article, we’ll take you through the factors you need to consider when choosing the best route planner for your logistics company:
What is route planning software?
Route planning software is a digital solution that allows logistics companies to efficiently plan routes, deliveries and transfers for their vehicles to save time and money.
This technology can account for a number of different factors to ensure that vehicle downtime is minimized and deliveries are more cost-effective.
The success and efficiency of your logistics business rely on the effectiveness of your route planning software, so, this is an investment - and a decision that shouldn’t be made in haste. When comparing route planning solutions, you will need to answer the following questions about your business:
Vehicles - How many vehicles do you have?
Routes - Are your routes fixed or continuously subject to change?
Orders - Are your orders fixed or continuously subject to change?
Distance - Are journeys short distance, long-distance, or both?
Mileage - What kind of weekly / monthly mileage do your vehicles and drivers cover?
How to Choose the Best Route Planner for Your Logistics Company?
1. Ease of use
When choosing route planning software, you need to think about who will be using it, and how much training they may need.
Employees tend to resist any change, from their point of view, they already have things figured out now, and getting used to new software is going to require extra effort from their side, so it’s only natural that they’re going to resist any changes when it comes to new software.
This is why finding software which is user-friendly should be one of the most important factors in your decision-making process here.
2. Integration
This is important as, without solid integration, you may find that you will have to change or upgrade your existing system so that it will work with the route planning software.
Use route planning software that can be used as a standalone solution and can also integrate easily with your existing systems.
3. Technology
Planning for the most optimal routes is even harder when logistics companies are dealing with a high volume of packages and heavy traffic congestion.
Fortunately, artificial intelligence and machine learning can help in this regard. By using complex algorithms that take into account historical and real-time data to create optimal routes, you can power up your route optimization, improve logistics delivery, and ultimately reduce costs and delight customers.
4. Free Trial
Always look for route optimization software that provides a free trial. The provider should assist you in installing the software for free. No amount of review reading can substitute hands-on experience with the software.
5. Expertise
The algorithm behind route planning is complex and needs years of experience and experimenting to get your routes successfully optimized. You cannot expect this from a company that’s been around for a few years.
A new company may not be able to ensure a perfect algorithm because of a lack of expertise. Look out for providers that have efficient history in the route planning business.
Conclusion
Choosing the best route planner for your business will not only save you time and money but will also have a positive impact on other areas of your business - for example, being able to accept more orders and deliver more quickly will help you to gain the advantage over your competitors - as well as making sales and warehousing departments more efficient.
Because of this, it’s important to make sure that you choose a system that will grow with your company and which has the features that you need to optimize your business operations.
At Softec, we know what it takes to keep the wheels turning to streamline your logistics operations. As experts in route optimization software in Egypt, Dubai, KSA, and our knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you find the right route planning solution for you and your business.
We pride ourselves on the fact that we work with you, not for you, to ensure that your route planning is as efficient as it possibly can be.
Why NORMA is the right route optimization software for you?
Norma meets your required needs for route optimization software. With an AI-based route optimization software like NORMA, logistics companies can develop mastery of their delivery routes in a manner that improves profitability.
For more information on how NORMA is the best route planner for your business to your logistics operations, feel free to request a one-to-one live demo, and one of our experts will be happy to call you back to discuss your requirements in detail.