Nowadays, many people love placing orders online because they can shop from the comfort of their homes. However, the number of packages to be delivered poses a challenge to logistics companies and their delivery personnel because they have to bring them to different places. It’s a long process, which can be pretty exhausting. Luckily, using route optimization software can help.
Route optimization software is precisely what it sounds like: software that can help streamline the delivery process. It can help delivery personnel optimize the delivery of packages by creating the most efficient routes, and it can also help businesses save time and money. It’s also a lot safer than manual route planning, so more and more companies are using route optimization software.
Not many companies have invested in route optimization software, which often causes delays and issues with their services. For this reason, we’ll discuss them in this article.
How Route Optimisation Software Works
Most route optimization software work in three routing options:
Static Routing
Static routing is the most basic form of route optimization, wherein the order of delivery is fixed, and there are no changes. This is often used in typical delivery situations, such as delivering packages to the same place every time.
Dynamic Routing
Dynamic routing is a lot more complicated, and it’s often used for specialized situations. This type of routing is similar to static routing, but it can change the delivery order according to an algorithm. It monitors several factors, such as current traffic, road condition, and weather, before deciding the best shipping route.
Hybrid Routing
Hybrid routing is the most common type of routing, and it combines static and dynamic routing. It can deliver packages based on a fixed route, but it can also alter the delivery order according to its conditions.
The Benefits of Using Route Optimization Software
If you invest in route optimization software, you’ll reap the following benefits:
Increases On-Time Deliveries
If you use route optimization software, you can reduce the number of delivery delays, which means your customers will receive their products much faster. Improved on-time deliveries will also boost customer satisfaction, which is a plus for any business.
Reduces Costs
Route optimization software can help you save money by routing your delivery personnel, so they save on gas and time. It can also help you cut the cost of delivery personnel by recommending the best combination of the delivery personnel.
More Accurate ETAs
If you use route optimization software, you can more accurately predict the arrival time of your packages. This helps customers make the most out of their time, and it also gives you a competitive advantage because some companies aren’t so effective in this regard.
Reduce Last-Mile Costs
Last-mile costs are incurred when a package needs to be taken to the recipient’s doorstep. Route optimization software can help you reduce these costs because it includes the cost of delivering a package along its routes.
Improves Fleet Efficiency
The delivery fleet comprises the vehicles that delivery personnel use to deliver packages. Route optimization software can improve the fleet efficiency of your delivery personnel by finding the best routes. This will help them make the most out of their trips, improving fuel efficiency.
Improved Driver Safety
If you’re a delivery company, you’ll be dealing with many roads, traffic, and stress. It can be unsafe, and route optimization software can help prevent accidents. It can even help you find the safest shipping routes, which is a big plus.
What Routing Option Should You Choose?
Choosing a routing option for your route optimization software will depend on your needs. For example, if you need more straightforward software that doesn’t require a lot of instructions, you should choose static routing. On the other hand, if you need more accurate software that can be customized to fit your needs, you should select dynamic routing.
Generally, it’s best to use hybrid routing because it’s the most efficient. You can use static routing initially and alter the route if needed. You can also use dynamic routing if you need to add or remove stops midway or if you need route variations.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to using route optimization software, and using it can help you improve your delivery service for your customers. As a delivery company, you must provide exemplary service, and having route optimization software will streamline your operations. Just remember to invest in quality software to get the most out of it.
If you’re looking for delivery route management software, SolBox has what you need! Our platform is equipped with cutting-edge tools and features necessary to make deliveries more efficient, all for an affordable price. Simply go to our website to request a live demo!
