With the rise of automation and technology in transportation, the demand for swift deliveries has grown substantially. Transportation companies modernize their logistics with the power of routing software to satisfy the needs of modern customers.
Whether an integrated tool or a feature inside a custom logistics management system, route planning software is an irreplaceable asset. Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), routing tools analyze road-related data and adjust routes automatically to fit the delivery schedule.
In the logistics sector, automation, transparency, and visibility are the cornerstones of success. Serving the transportation industry for 9+ years, Acropolium has crafted 23+ logistics software solutions covering the essential aspects of effective deliveries.
Route Optimization Software Market Size
In 2022, the route optimization software market was valued at $5.8 Billion. Projected to accelerate at a CAGR of 17.9% by 2030, it is anticipated to reach $21.7 billion.
In this article, we will guide you through the basic capabilities of route planning software. Dive in to learn the difference between custom and off-the-shelf solutions to find the best option for your business.
Essential Features of Route Optimization Software
Providing data-driven insights on more effective routes, software for route planning enables lowering fuel consumption and optimizing stop schedules. Furthermore, vehicle route optimization software facilitates the workflow of drivers and dispatchers, eliminating human errors.
The variety of features in routing software varies from tool to tool. Some carriers have an arsenal of interconnected or separate tools: each caters to specific needs like tracking, routing, and inventory management. Others, however, prefer to use custom trucking dispatch software containing essential features for particular business operations with built-in smart routing.
When choosing route planning software or considering tailored solution development with a vendor, capable tools should include the following functionalities:
- Route optimization & adjustment. Routing tools optimize multi-stop, multi-driver routes to ensure maximum efficiency. They also present dispatchers with multiple options, allowing them to change the paths in real-time.
- Stop prioritization. This feature allows software users to designate the order for delivery stops. Some tools come with GPS-based route optimization apps for drivers, providing them access to vehicle stop management.
- Driver monitoring & performance metrics. You can monitor the driver’s performance while ensuring an adequate driving schedule. Tracking drivers helps you increase transparency within the delivery process, reduce inefficiencies, and gather performance metrics.
- Multi-depot management. As an irreplaceable part of fleet management software, this feature is designed for larger teams managing deliveries across different locations with multiple depots.
- Customer updates. Most route planning tools allow you to project transparency on customer satisfaction metrics with data collected in real-time. You can inform them about estimated arrival times via email or text, offering fixed or flexible delivery windows.
- API integrations. Route optimization software is usually a stand-alone tool. Therefore, the chosen tool must support integration with your existing assets. It’s crucial that you connect your transportation system to the routing tool, where all the processes within your operations are synchronized.
- Customer service. Another critical feature to consider is providing user-friendly tracking links for direct access to customer service resources. Advanced routing tools support integrations with live chats so your customers can reach out to your teams.
- Vehicle & delivery specifications. Companies operating with a fuel management system require tools to filter vehicle features by size, type, and capacity. This helps to allocate fuel resources properly, assigning certain delivery types to the matching vehicle and ensuring safe, timely delivery.
The Best Route Optimization Software and Tools
Selecting the best route planning software for your company requires understanding of your business needs and operational requirements. The market is saturated with various ready-to-use software allowing live tracking, vehicle monitoring, and driver communication.
However, unlike custom-made tools, the available options might only partially satisfy some of your unique needs. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled an overview of popular transportation routing software:
- My Route Online
- Route4Me
- Routific
- Bringg
- OptimoRoute
My Route Online
MyRouteOnline is a multi-stop route planner designed to simplify mapping and planning visits for multiple locations. It’s compatible with several devices, easily exporting to Android or iPhone. The app offers solutions that boost efficiency, reduce planning time, cut fuel costs, and shorten road time.
Best for: small and mid-sized businesses
Key features & advantages:
- Automated scheduling
- Real-time notifications
- Route optimization & management
- GPS-based mileage & location tracking
- Driver status & activity monitoring
- 3rd-party integrations
Disadvantages:
- The number of API integrations is limited
- Doesn’t allow users to designate last stops
- No barcode recognition
- Doesn’t provide the ability to split stops
- Some users report the need for manual rerouting
Route4Me
Route4Me provides route planning software for companies of any size and different scope of operations. With advanced mapping and categorization tools, it offers a user-friendly platform for creating, managing, and sharing optimized routing plans. The product is also available on smartphones, catering to IOS and Android users.
Best for: small, mid-sized, and large businesses
Key features & advantages:
- Route optimization with route history
- Mileage tracking
- CRM integrations
- Customer Portal
- Compatibility with dispatch management software
- Data import & export
- Live driver and load tracking
- Automated scheduling
- API integrations
Disadvantages:
- No order management
- Occasionally long route optimization waiting time
- High-density areas might require manual adjustments for route optimization
- No location prioritization
Routific
Routific is a route planning tool that streamlines planning, optimization, and dispatch activities. Specializing in last-mile delivery, it simplifies the delivery route planning process. The product was designed for faster, on-time deliveries and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Best for: small and mid-sized businesses
Key features & advantages:
- Route optimization, assignment & adjustment
- Vehicle constraints
- Driver performance tracking & analytics
- Route prioritization
- Customer updates & ETAs
- API integrations
Disadvantages:
- No cycle-routes system
- Requires manual change of generated routes
- No project classification by date and type
- Manual document upload for each stop
Bringg
Bringg, a cloud-based delivery route planning software, aids businesses in streamlining order processing, cost control, inventory tracking, and route optimization. It offers customizable logistics processes with delivery route planning, safety measures, prioritization, and secure customer/driver data storage.
Best for: small, mid-sized, and large businesses
Key features & advantages:
- Route optimization & management
- Third-party integrations
- Driver performance monitoring
- Multi-carrier management
- Fleet and driver tracking & management
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t determine the closest orders
- Users report occasional system lags
OptimoRoute
OptimoRoute empowers field service and delivery businesses to excel in customer service. It plans and optimizes routes through advanced algorithms. The route optimization software’s interface offers customizable features and shortcuts that adapt to specific business needs and workflows.
Best for: small and mid-sized businesses
Key features & advantages:
- Automated scheduling & route management
- CRM integrations
- Activity dashboard
- Live driver and order monitoring
- Electronic signature
- Route history, reporting & statistics
Disadvantages:
- Orders require manual stop-entry
- Price is set per user, which might be costly for larger fleets
- Users report long route optimization time
- Doesn’t allow mid-route route delivery canceling
Custom Route Optimization Software vs. Off-the-shelf Solutions
One can always choose already existing software for route planning and optimize their operations immediately. However, with off-the-shelf options, you might need to align your workflow to the tool if the functionality doesn’t cover all your objectives.
Bespoke software, where each feature and UX element is developed to address your specific needs, will adjust to your activities.
Benefits of Tailored Routing Software
Cost Savings
Tailored route optimization software can reduce fuel expenses and vehicle maintenance costs by identifying efficient routes for your parameters. You can ask the web development vendor to provide route filtering and essential specifications for your business.
For example, giants like Amazon rely on custom route planning software to manage complex last-mile delivery logistics. This minimizes mileage and travel time, resulting in cost savings on fuel and reduced vehicle wear and tear.
Scalability
Regardless of your business size and operational scope, you won’t need to change your route planning software over time. Custom software allows you to expand and adjust the functionality as your business scales up or down. In the case of transportation software modernization, it will be easier to add new features in the future.
Moreover, the developers can provide customization options so that all users can organize their workflows according to their functions.
FedEx, for instance, uses tailored and customizable routing optimization software across different departments and countries. This allows the company to streamline its extensive delivery network, ensuring timely and efficient package deliveries across the whole chain.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Most off-the-shelf alternatives don’t provide the ability to change or cancel routes on the go. In contrast, your software can flexibly adjust to include last-minute orders and driver availability.
This is how DHL, another company utilizing custom-made routing software, effectively responds to unforeseen circumstances, delivering first-class services.
Sophisticated Integrations
Although ready-to-use tools support multiple integrations, they might not be compatible with the full spectrum of solutions you use daily. Your development partner will craft a solution with more integration capabilities, helping you select a suitable map API.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
When considering some of the best software for route planning or developing your own tool, make sure to follow these steps:
- Assess your needs. Understand your specific business requirements and objectives for route optimization. Consider factors like delivery volume, vehicle types, and service level agreements.
- Customization. Seek planning and routing software that can be adjusted to your unique needs, adapting to changing requirements and workflows.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis. Evaluate the software’s cost against the potential fuel, time, and maintenance savings.
- Support and Training. Ensure the provider offers adequate support and training to help your team effectively use the software.
- Data Security. Prioritize transportation routing software with robust security measures to protect sensitive route and customer data.
- Trial Period. If possible, request a trial period to test the software’s functionality and compatibility with your operations before committing to a long-term contract.
- Partner with reputable web development experts. Check your web vendor’s portfolio and certifications to ensure they possess the expertise in the niche. The IT outsourcing company must display relevant case studies and positive customer feedback.
As a seasoned provider of custom GDPR-compliant software, Acropolium has provided over 100+ web and 50+ app development services. From shipping web platforms and fleet-tracking app development to transportation system modernization, we ensure each function works for your business.
Final Thoughts
In a world where fast deliveries are the norm, keeping up with technology is essential to stay competitive. Not only do customers expect their orders to arrive swiftly, but they also want transparency throughout the delivery process. Therefore, businesses invest in routing software to satisfy their customers while optimizing inner operations and minimizing delay risks.
At Acropolium, we are aware of the revolutionizing power of automation, especially regarding deliveries. Providing web and app services for businesses of any size, we breathe our 20-year expertise in transportation and logistics software.
With customer requirements and budgets in mind, our company offers flexible subscription-based cooperation, providing cost-effective solutions that facilitate growth. Contact us to explore the opportunities to enhance your operations!
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