When you’re looking to increase your profits, the best way is to reduce costs. This can be done by using a route planner to save you money on fuel and other expenses.
When running a courier business, route planning is arguably the most important thing to keep in mind. It is the process through which you decide why one route may be better than another. Some route planners are better than others, and your choice can be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful business. Here are a few ways to identify the best route planner.
Is it easy for your team to use?
Your team should be able to use the route planning software you choose without any complications. If the delivery route planner is too complicated, you may solve one problem and create a new one. You should select a route planner that is easy to use and doesn’t require too much training.
Is it accurate?
Route planners that are accurate will save you money in the long run. If your route planner is inaccurate, it can lead to inefficient routes and lost time for your employees. The last thing you want is an employee driving around aimlessly because their GPS isn’t working correctly or they don’t know where they’re going. Choose a route planner with an accurate GPS to increase your profits.
Accuracy plays a vital role in keeping your business running smoothly. It’s best to go with the most precise option available, which may cost you more but will be worth it in the long run if your profits are higher as a result.
Is it customizable?
Customization is one of the most important things you should look for in a route planner. A customizable software will allow you to make changes according to what works best for your business, rather than change based on the program’s capabilities.
For example, if your business has a specific route, you should choose a route planner that saves and edits routes. You can also download different software that is compatible with your current equipment.
Is it flexible?
The best route planner for a courier business is one that allows you to adjust if necessary. For example, if your team delivers on Saturdays but doesn’t work Sundays, the ideal circle radius should also accommodate this. It may be more expensive and take longer to find a solution like this, but in the end, it will save you more time and money.
It would be annoying to get the directions to a specific location when the software is complicated and hard to navigate. It may be a waste of your team’s time and the company’s money.
Evaluate which features and functions are most important to you
What’s important for one company won’t necessarily be important to yours. Any business with a fleet has unique needs. They vary depending on the size of your business, the nature of your operations, and the level of training that your employees have.
Think about your company’s specific needs and get a route planner that matches them. The best software should promote maximum utilization of your resources, efficiency, and profitability.
Evaluate the software for scalability as your business grows
Your business needs are always changing, and you need a route planner that can change with them. Efficiency isn’t just about the routes being put out. It is also about calculating and adjusting routes fast even when the order volumes are fluctuating.
Consider using cloud-based solutions that can help scale computing power. You should be able to scale up or down depending on your business needs.
Which features and functions can be integrated with your existing systems?
The best route planners can be integrated with your system. Your planner should be able to open and integrate efficient routes on the top navigation apps. This way, drivers can easily get directions along with the details and data they need.
Sharing routes with other team members should be easy as well. All users should be able to share their planned routes fast and seamlessly. It promotes visibility and overall efficiency in the workplace.
Evaluate your technical staff to ensure they are qualified to understand and administer the software
Since your technical staff will be dealing with route planner software you choose regularly, it is important to ensure that they are qualified to administer it. Employee training is essential no matter how skilled your team may be.
While the initial cost of training may be high, the cost of not training can be even higher. A good employee training program should be comprehensive. It should make it easy to streamline your organization’s operations.
Make sure you understand the pricing plans and amount of support offered
Do not get a route planner before asking about the available pricing plans and the level of customer support you’ll enjoy. If there isn’t enough support, even the smallest concerns can spiral fast. Keep your budget in mind as well. The available pricing plan you get shouldn’t put too much strain on your finances.
Courier businesses face many challenges. Route planning is one of the biggest ones. Even though there are lots of route planning software, they aren’t the same. The best ones match the specific demands of your business. They are easy to use, integrate with existing systems, and offer enough support. Ensure that your team members also have enough training to use them.
