Most of us have used route planning software at some point in our lives. Consumer apps like Google Maps and Waze are widely used by smartphone users. These platforms give directional commands (also known as routing), which are the foundation of formal route planning software. You may be wondering, “Then why do I need route planning software?” Why not have all of my drivers download Google Maps and use it to navigate? We’ve created this guide to help you understand the vast route-planning software market and determine the best system for your needs.
What is Route Planning?
The process of determining the most cost-effective route is known as route optimization or planning. However, it is far more complicated than simply finding the shortest path from one location to the next. Instead, consider all of the variables at play, including the number of stops, weather conditions, destination locations, and variables such as the number of turns or intersections a driver may experience on their route.
What is Route Planning Software?
Algorithms are used by route planning software to assist route planners and dispatchers in calculating the best possible route in a handful of clicks. Furthermore, the majority of systems give users access to capabilities and insights that allow them to respond to changing conditions in real-time and adjust driver routes accordingly.
This technology saves drivers a significant amount of time. They’ll spend less time stuck in traffic and avoid the hassle of zigzagging across town or returning to regions they’ve already visited that day.
Route planning software allows dispatchers and schedulers to swiftly design out the fastest routes for their whole fleet and maximize the number of stops for each driver on any given day. Simultaneously, these capabilities enable them to adjust the strategy when consumers postpone appointments or when an unanticipated storm or traffic block occurs.
How To Choose Route Optimization Software
We know that this is a critical decision for your business, and selecting the best routing solution will necessitate additional considerations to help you make the correct option for your corporation.
#1. Think about who will be using the software on your team.
The size and composition of your team will influence your choice of routing software. You should also consider the people who will utilize the software.
You should select user-friendly software for your drivers. Because people’s comfort level with technology varies widely, it’s best to select routing software that requires only a basic level of technical knowledge. Choosing software that is simple to use makes the initial deployment go more smoothly, reduces mistakes later on, and ensures that drivers hired after the original deployment can be educated on the software fast.
#2. Test the Software Before Purchasing
Several leading routing software suppliers allow free trials. If a routing solution you’re considering offers a free trial, make use of it to get a sense of how the software would perform for your team.
If a free trial is not available, arrange for a personal demonstration of the software so you can ask questions about how the software meets your specific requirements. You can also request that the solution provider provide you with references so that you can contact other software users directly and inquire about their overall satisfaction levels.
#3. Think About Your Budget
Routing software cost varies widely. Basic software can be bought for free or for a few dollars per month; other solutions can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month.
Because there are so many variables involved in providing an exact pricing quote, many suppliers do not disclose their rates. The number of user deployments, the diversity of features provided, and the complexity of the routing needs are often used to determine pricing. Most carriers have add-on features, which might add up.
Choosing a solution that can scale up or down as your demands change is a smart way to avoid overpaying for routing software services.
Best Route Planning Software 2023
The best route-planning software or solutions are listed below. Each is best suited for a distinct group of users, with some platforms providing advanced functionality or specialized tools unavailable elsewhere. Continue reading to see our recommendations:
#1. Onfleet
Onfleet provides complete route planning, optimization, dispatching, and messaging to assist businesses in streamlining last-minute delivery operations, increasing earnings, and constantly providing a fantastic customer experience. Among the software on our list, it also features the best route optimization program.
The platform includes an AI-powered route optimization engine that analyzes variables such as location, time, traffic, and capacity to determine the quickest and most cost-effective routes. As conditions change, the platform automatically reoptimizes routes, and drivers receive real-time directions.
#2. Routific
Routific’s route planning software includes a route optimization algorithm that examines variables like as vehicle capacity, driver shift timings and breaks, priority clients, delivery kinds, ETAs, and more to determine the best routes. Live GPS monitoring, proof of delivery, drag-and-drop route modifications, and delivery statistics are all included.
#3. Route4Me
The Route4Me toolkit includes tools for route optimization, route monitoring, proof of delivery, and customer communications. The software supports both single and multi-driver routes and allows customers to establish predetermined parameters before letting the algorithm handle route optimization. The technology also collects and syncs driver data to a dashboard view, allowing customers to compare driver performance to expected ETAs and customer feedback.
The option to pick and choose features is considered as a crucial selling factor for larger firms, particularly those in the field services area. Route4Me may not be the most cost-effective solution for tiny businesses with limited resources.
#4. RouteXL
RouteXL may be your best bet if you’re seeking an online route planner with a completely free edition with a restricted amount of features. In the free version, you may plan and optimize routes with up to 20 stops using the RouteXL planner, which was specifically designed to streamline fi. It is an excellent choice for creating routes for smaller companies.
If you purchase their daily or monthly subscription plans, you can still plan routes with more than 20 stops. However, additional services such as proof of delivery, live driver tracking, and inbuilt dispatching are not available, which may limit your operational visibility.
#5. OptimoRoute
OptimoRoute is a route planning application that assists dispatchers in providing dependable service by planning and optimizing driver routes using complex algorithms.
This is the best solution for field service firms. Users may quickly enter orders and client information, set stop-specific parameters, and optimize multi-stop routes. Drivers can view routes from their phones and receive mid-route updates as they become available.
#6. Samsara
Samsara is an all-in-one platform for fleet management organizations that helps them optimize routes, allocate drivers based on availability, track overall progress, and so on.GPS tracking that is updated in real-time and paired with reports allows you to design better routes, dispatch drivers at the last minute, and share accurate ETAs with consumers.
Users can use any mobile device to collect photographs in real time and perform pre and post-trip vehicle inspections. Some of the primary features that set this software apart are trailer tracking, automated history logging, and user-based maintenance.
#7. Circuit
With so many software alternatives for route planning and optimization, it might be difficult to choose one that matches your business needs. However, Circuit is here to assist you in improving your daily regular activities such as planning and optimization. It features two apps: one for single drivers and one for dispatchers.
In less than 5 minutes, you may construct ideal routes and invite drivers. Importing the data and optimizing routes with several stops takes only a few minutes.
#8. MyRouteOnline
In contrast to other route planners that operate on a monthly subscription basis with unlimited routes, MyRouteOnline provides address credits. A single address credit can be utilized for a single stop. Within 30 days, you can utilize the same address credit several times.
However, if you wish to add more addresses to your route plan, you’ll need to buy extra address points. This can easily become pretty costly if you cater to a large number of customers with a diversified set of addresses.
#9. Tookan
Tookan is a delivery management tool designed for enterprise use. Hence, Tookan has all of the capabilities of standard enterprise delivery management software, such as route scheduling, geofencing, and live customer ETA alerts.
Also, Tookan also provides capabilities such as an agent wallet and barcode generators that allow you to validate and check all delivery transactions. Tookan’s behavior monitoring technology, which detects reckless and wasteful driving behaviors, may also protect the safety of your fleet.
#10. Badger Maps
Badger Maps, a sales route planner designed primarily to streamline field sales, is the go-to routing solution for many sales leaders. Also, Badger Maps is simple to use because it allows dispatchers to create sales routes by just pressing on spots on the map.
It may also filter sales areas depending on their sales possibilities, allowing you to rapidly arrange your sales trip. It can also be connected with common CRM packages to provide a unified field sales route optimization experience.
#11. WorkWave Route Manager
WorkWave has a long history of supplying delivery businesses with mobile workforce management solutions. Their Route Manager, as the name implies, is designed for effective and simple route management. This is why it contains capabilities like route optimization and mobile dispatch.
WorkWave includes a separate driver app that allows you to track the status of your driver and collect documentation of successful deliveries. Drivers can collect proof of delivery by taking pictures or scanning barcodes using the WorkWave driver app.
#12. eLogii
eLogii is best renowned for its level of customization when planning delivery routes. It features a plethora of parameters and optimization settings to help you personalize the route plan to your specific needs. They offer three different plans, but none of their pricing is made public.
In addition, unlike other route planning software, eLogii costs you based on the number of monthly stops you make. As a result, an endless number of users, drivers, and vehicles can be added to the route plan.
Which Is the Best Free Route Planner?
Google Maps is the best free route planning software available. It’s an excellent solution for single delivery drivers that need to discover the quickest route from point A to point B.
Does Google Maps Have a Route Planner?
Google Maps has a Route Planner that generates driving directions to various destinations. Users can generate a map and directions to a variety of sites. These can be used for a variety of reasons, including driving, taking public transportation, biking, and even walking.
Is Waze a Good Route Planner?
Waze is a superb navigation app that includes multi-stop route planning as well as other useful information to make drivers’ lives easier. Waze users benefit immensely from the app’s turn-by-turn navigation system, which delivers clear and simple driving directions.
Can Google Maps Plan a Route With Multiple Stops?
Yes, just follow these steps:
- On your computer, open Google Maps.
- Click Directions
- Add a starting point and a destination.
- On the left, below the destinations you entered, click Add
- To add a stop, choose another destination. You can add up to 9 stops.
- Click on a route to get the directions.
What Is the Most Popular Travel and Mapping Software?
Google Maps is the best road trip planning tool and map generator available, with an extraordinary range of features – many of which you probably aren’t aware of.
What Is an Alternative to Google Maps Route Planner?
RouteXL is a good free route planning alternative to Google Maps. The free version lets you make up to 20 stops and optimizes your route. You can use an Excel spreadsheet to upload a list of stops and then share the optimal routes with a navigation app or phone.
Is There an App to Plan a Route With Multiple Stops?
The Google Maps Free Route Planner can assist you in planning for the Multiple Stops Features.
Conclusion
You discovered that there are numerous premium and free route optimization options on the market; nonetheless, only a few of them are thought to meet your requirements. Depending on the intricacy of your delivery, you may want advanced routing software that accounts for toll highways and high-priority deliveries.
The best route planning software for your company is one that matches your desired use case, business goals, and, of course, your budget.
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