Gartner had predicted that by 2020, ten percent of all field service work would be scheduled by artificial intelligence. However, about 52% of all companies providing field services plan their delivery services manually, and only 30% use GPS tracking or a route planning system, according to statistics on resco.net.
Whether you specialize in food delivery or HVAC services, route planning can help grow your business by providing quick delivery times and reducing fuel costs. In turn, the overall flow of your business operations increases, giving you a competitive edge against competitors. However, to enjoy these benefits, there are some factors you must consider, including the use of routing software.
Below are the top considerations when choosing a route planning system for delivery logistics.
Timing matters
When planning the optimal route for deliveries, you’ll need to prioritize timing. Therefore, set delivery windows or timelines in which goods must arrive. The courier and customer often agree upon delivery windows, but sometimes they are offered as a courtesy. In addition to setting delivery windows, be mindful of time-sensitive shipments.
In some instances, you’ll deal with customers that need products like refrigerated items delivered to them within the shortest time possible. To achieve the best outcomes, leverage route planning software to set accurate delivery times based on data.
Truck size
The size of your delivery vehicles will significantly impact how you plan your routes by determining the number of stops drivers make. For instance, drivers of small trucks must make multiple stops at the depot. You’ll also be required to account for how many packages your drivers can deliver on time.
To make your delivery process more effective, consider purchasing reliable delivery trucks. For example, you may consider purchasing pick-up trucks like Ford F150 or a Toyota Tundra. According to automobile advice on 4×4 Reports, both truck models have a high payload capacity ranging between 1,730 to 2,238 pounds. They also guarantee high fuel efficiency, so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot on gas.
Anticipate change of routes
Unforeseen road mishaps happen all the time, forcing drivers to change their driving routes. Note that rerouting on the go affects your drivers’ entire journey, thereby reducing efficiency. Fortunately, you can reduce the impacts of rerouting by leveraging route planning apps. One of the notable benefits of route planning software is helping drivers re-optimize their routes via mobile when necessary.
Integrating a route planning system into your supply chain management is key to enhancing your business operations. When you plan your delivery routes appropriately, you enjoy reduced fuel costs and increased efficiency in product deliveries. To enjoy these benefits, create delivery windows and a system that allows quick delivery of time-sensitive shipments. Also, invest in reliable trucks and routing software to enhance delivery logistics.
