Using a trip planner can be overwhelming or intimidating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the tool (and have little or no time to figure out what it’s for) and you don’t consider yourself tech-savvy. However, some trip planners like Route4Me are user-friendly and are backed up by tech support.
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Today, we highlight three key features of Route4Me’s trip planner that’ll improve your business efficiency, productivity, and operations.
Optimize the Planning Process
The great thing about using route optimization software is that it does the dirty work for you. So, no more pen and paper route planning. No more wrong turns or mistaken locations (unless the address given to you by the customer is incorrect). Best of all, no more late orders.
Here’s how the route optimisation software does it:
- You can plan a route by entering the addresses manually, copying and pasting them or uploading files with the addresses.
- Whichever method you choose, you’ll be able to modify any address even after you’ve already planned the route.
- When you open a route, clicking on any address will open a new editor section. This will let you select and change any field.
- All the connected mobile users that are currently seeing or using the changed route will receive a notification about the modifications.
And, all this can be accomplished in less than a minute.
Moreover, the routes you create by using the software are accurate and efficient. So, it’ll be less likely that your drivers will get stuck in traffic, will have to delay or reschedule appointments or will have to deal with disappointed customers.
Ultimately, optimizing your route planning process will give you more time for other tasks and by eliminating old-school practices and implementing innovative methodologies, you can improve your route planning process.
Avoid Left Turns
Much has been written about avoiding left turns. But, why is it so important? IFLS says that UPS began with the assumption that the most direct route was the best route. But, when they factored in accident risks, travel time due to waiting for a break in oncoming traffic, and fuel usage, it became clear that left turns across traffic caused a problem. So, left turns decrease driver safety and efficiency and increase fuel consumption. All this means that you too have to avoid left turns as much as possible.
Using Route4Me’s trip planner, you can set the route parameters in the Turn Restrictions section to eliminate U-turns and left or right turns. You just need to select the radio button corresponding to your preferences. All the routes planned with the turn restrictions on will then minimize U-turns and left or right turns.
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Monitor Driver Activity
Businesses exist to make money. And, as the business owner, you are responsible for keeping your employees productive in addition to ensuring their safety on the road. That’s why it’s imperative to take measures that will ensure your company eliminates any unproductive work and safety risks. This is exactly what the Route4Me route planner helps you do.
Route4Me’s built-in real-time GPS tracking feature will help you monitor your staff whenever they’re out in the field. For example, you can view the actual location of a driver on a map or track multiple drivers at the same time. Moreover, you can do Visited or Departed Tracking and view the Tracking History.
With this information, you can reduce hazards, improve overall efficiency, and discover what you need to fix or expand on to empower your field operations to increase your profits. So, besides letting you know what your drivers are doing in real-time, you can also ensure their safety.
How can a trip planner benefit your business? Do you have some tips? Share with us what you think in the comments section below.
Want To See For Yourself How Route4Me Can Boost Your Profits?
