Dynamic Route Planning
Dynamic Route Planning
Changes in customer demand, reducing operational expenses, and increasing fleet efficiency are all possible with dynamic route planning software.
Capabilities of Dynamic Route Planning
Scalable solution whatever your requirements
Utilise a flexible solution created to specifically model and enhance the performance of your fleet and satisfy the route planning needs of your business.
Simple to use
Planners may quickly and easily create an effective set of routes that cater to both client and business objectives thanks to the software’s modern, user-friendly interface.
No wasting time waiting for optimised routes
Continuous background optimisation of orders and routes means that the delivery plan is ready to go as soon as it is needed.
Continuous improvements
Transition from planning to execution seamlessly, while utilising machine learning-based feedback to improve subsequent route planning.
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Dynamic route scheduling FAQ's
Dynamic route scheduling is optimising delivery routes where deliveries change every day. Dynamic route scheduling software (also known as Multidrop route planner software) will enable an efficient and flexible delivery operation.
Each set of daily delivery routes will be different and depend upon the orders being delivered that day. Many businesses employ static routes for clients have set days/times for delivery. Businesses that have a diverse client base and dynamic order mix use dynamic route optimisation. Each day’s order mix, volumes and delivery locations will determine delivery routes. This can change each time an order is received up to a cut-off time selected by the planner.
Static route planning is where fixed delivery routes are created in advance and executed to a set frequency (daily, weekly or other). Static routes are common where the same customers receive deliveries on a regular and predictable basis. Whereas dynamic route scheduling adjusts routes on-the-fly as orders are received, creating different routes for the next day or week’s deliveries.
It is possible to calculate routes for a mix of static and dynamic deliveries and this is known as hybrid route planning.
Being able to dynamically adjust routes for the mix of deliveries as they are received, improves delivery efficiency, reduces costs, CO2 emissions and provides a better customer experience with accurate delivery times.
Technical questions
Dynamic route optimisation utilises traffic direction, flow and time of day, depot locations, delivery addresses, vehicle capacity, and can take into account deliveries over several days. Descartes dynamic route scheduling will also improve future routes using historical data and machine learning.
With Descartes dynamic routing software, the calculation is continuous, meaning that potential delivery slots can be offered back to planners and customers in seconds.
Yes, Descartes dynamic route scheduling software integrates with existing systems such as ERP software, warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS) and telematics, along with our own electronic proof of delivery and customer delivery notifications solutions.
Business impact questions
Using advanced algorithms and continuous optimisation, Descartes’ dynamic route scheduling creates optimal delivery routes with the highest delivery density and shortest mileage per delivery possible to meet customer demand.
Yes, being able to calculate deliveries across multiple depots and days means that highly optimised delivery routes are created with the minimum of mileage per delivery. Lower mileage gives lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, so also better for the environment.
Due to the quality of real-life data and the accuracy of the optimised routes ETA’s and short delivery windows can be provided to the customer with confidence of meeting them. Delivering within a short window of time at the committed time, improves customer satisfaction.
The return on investment for dynamic route scheduling can be measured in terms of reduced management and planning time, reduced operational costs, increased driver productivity, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced fleet productivity.
Implementation questions
The implementation timeline varies depending on the complexity of your operations and the chosen software options, along with your rollout plan. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Common challenges when introducing any logistics software will include data integration, employee training, and overcoming any resistance to change. However, with proper planning, training and execution, these challenges can easily be mitigated.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be the best way of measuring the success of dynamic route scheduling, for example:
- On-time delivery rates.
- Fuel consumption.
- Miles per delivery.
- Driver productivity.
- Customer satisfaction.
Additional questions
Yes, Descartes’ dynamic route scheduling software can accommodate different vehicle types such as HGV’s, smaller commercial vehicles, cars and motorbikes or bicycles, taking into account their specific constraints.
Yes, dynamic route scheduling is particularly beneficial for time-sensitive deliveries as it helps ensure on-time delivery and food freshness.