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Mobile application for route optimisation: Improving the productivity of field workers

Published on 21 August 2018 • Reading time: 5 min read

The use of a route tracking mobile application has become necessary to simplify the daily life of mobile workers, while improving their productivity. Most route optimisation platforms provide a mobile application for delivery drivers, field workers or technicians. Using such applications, mobile teams can retrieve the steps of their routes and track proof of passage. Regarding the operations managers, it’s possible for them to simplify the management of unexpected events and to automate the creation of field service reports and delivery notes.

The route optimisation mobile application is a tool for field workers to facilitate the tracking of routes and the completion of visits. The mobile application is simple to use and allows drivers and dispatchers to navigate easily to the next destination.
The best route optimisation mobile application simplifies the daily work of mobile teams:

1. Access information about clients and field service operations
2. Field teams are informed in real time when work schedules are updated
3. Dematerialise the sending of proof of passage
4. Simplify the communication with the end customers

Mobile applications for route optimisation simplify the day-to-day work of field workers. These tools enable service professionals to be more productive, while at the same time meeting customer expectations.

1. Access the information about clients and field service operations

The objective of a route optimisation application is to provide field workers with all the information they need to carry out their tasks. By connecting to the mobile application, the driver can find in a few seconds the answer to all these questions: How many tasks to carry out during my route? What is the address of the next customer to be visited? What is the telephone number of the last customer in my route?

In concrete terms, by using the AntsRoute mobile application, the field worker has real-time access to all the information listed below:

• Overview of the route and the number of kilometres to be covered on a map.
• List of customers to be delivered or visited with their contact details.
• Button to call the customer without dialling.
• Button to send notifications predefined from the AntsRoute interface.
• Data to simplify the completion of tasks: time slot, planned arrival time, comments on the access, duration of the task on site, contact person in case of absence, place to drop off parcels, code to access the building, attachments, etc.

2. Field teams are informed in real time when work schedules are updated

In the event of traffic jams, cancellations or last-minute orders, the AntsRoute route optimisation tool updates the routes of the workforces. For example, when a task is added to a route in progress, the system determines the agent who should carry out this task to minimise extra kilometres, while respecting the different business and time constraints. The field agents can view their updated schedule in real time on the mobile application. Available on Android and iOS, the mobile app indicates to the driver the recalculated arrival time with the number of minutes ahead or delay compared to the original scheduled arrival time.

Tracking of an ongoing field service routes on AntsRoute.

3. Dematerialise the sending of proof of passage

The reduction of paperwork and the prevention of disputes are two arguments for using a mobile application for optimising and tracking routes, such as AntsRoute. Every proof of passage or delivery are transferred to the scheduler or operations manager in real time when the driver validates the completion of a step from the app. In concrete terms, the AntsRoute mobile application makes it possible to send the following elements:

• The signature of the client.
• Pictures to prove, for example, the condition of a package on arrival or the repair of an appliance.
• Comments to provide additional information.
• You can also define custom fields (drop-down list, checkbox, text, etc.) on the AntsRoute interface that will have to be filled in when validating a step from the mobile application.
• Printing of labels with barcodes.

In addition, if the customer is absent, the field worker agent or deliveryman can add pictures or details directly in the mobile application.
The feedback of all this information allows automating the writing of service reports and delivery notes, which are sent to the customers after the drivers have completed their tasks.

Validating a work order and transmitting proof of passage on AntsRoute.

4. Simplify the communication with the end customers

The use of a mobile application also improves interaction with the end customer. By geolocating delivery drivers and field workers, the mobile app simplifies the sending of notifications to customers for a quality experience:

• Once the driver starts his route from the app, customers receive an automated notification with a link to a map showing the area where the driver is located.
• When validating a step from the app, the next customer to be visited receives a notification with the waiting time in minutes before the driver arrives.
• About 30 minutes after the dispatch rider or technician has completed the task, the customer receives a message with a link to download the service report or delivery note. In addition, the operations manager can include a link that allows the customer to review the quality of the services provided.

Sending a notification with a service report using AntsRoute.

The AntsRoute application, available on Android or iOS smartphones and on tablets, is the most efficient tool to improve the productivity of mobile workers. To allow you to assess the benefits for 7 days, we offer you a free trial, without credit card number. You just have to sign up on this page.