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The 6 most important features of delivery route planning software

Published on 29 December 2022 • Reading time: 8 min read

Delivery route planning software can help delivery services increase their efficiency and productivity by optimising routes and automating tasks that would usually be performed manually.

Route planning software considers many real-time factors that would be complex to manage otherwise, reducing the potential for human error. With routes being available for everyone to see, there is better visibility into the entire process from start to finish, for both the supplier and the end customer. Unforeseen events – such as a road closure or a broken vehicle – can be handled with greater ease, making the day-to-day work of small businesses easier.

We have compiled a handy guide to highlight the most important features you should look for when selecting the best delivery route planning software for your business.

The delivery route planning software simplifies the management of shippments. For operations managers, its innovative features guarantee greater productivity and customer satisfaction.

Table of contents

1. The power of algorithms for optimising the routes of several drivers
2. Efficient mobile applications for your drivers
3. Live geolocation of your drivers for operations managers and customers
4. The sending of automated notifications to customers
5. Automated proof of delivery
6. The availability of APIs and webhooks to integrate with the tools you already use

The 6 most important features of delivery route planning software.

1. The power of algorithms for optimising the routes of several drivers

The primary purpose of delivery route planning software is to identify the most efficient route possible, given a set of delivery locations. The goal is to reduce travel time and distance while still delivering packages in a timely manner. AntsRoute makes it possible to optimise the routes for the entire fleet of drivers by taking into account many criteria, such as:

• Geographical distance,
• Traffic patterns,
• Weather conditions,
• Customer preferences,
• Driver availability and working hours,
• Breaks,
• Start and end locations,
• Customer availability,
• Vehicle loading capacity and more.

Additionally, the software can accommodate any changes or updates in real-time and recalculate new routes accordingly.

Users can schedule work orders in a variety of ways:

• The order can be imported straight from an Excel spreadsheet,
• Manually,
• Or even connect AntsRoute to their e-commerce website via integrations with PrestaShop, WooCommerce, Shopify and Odoo.

Then AntsRoute calculates the best routes using powerful algorithms so that delivery drivers can get to their destination faster and with fewer complications. By keeping track factors in real-time, algorithms can calculate the fastest route from point A to point B while avoiding any potential pitfalls along the way.
In addition, AntsRoute uses algorithms to group together deliveries that are located near each other, which helps to reduce the amount of time spent travelling between each destination.

These optimised delivery routes not only benefit businesses but also customers. For businesses, algorithm-optimised routes save money by reducing fuel costs and labour hours. In addition, optimised routes allow businesses to offer better customer service by providing faster turnaround times for deliveries. Customers also benefit from shorter wait times, leading to an improved overall experience with the supplier.

The planning of optimised delivery routes on AntsRoute.

2. Efficient mobile applications for your drivers

Once the delivery routes are optimised, each driver automatically receives details of his route via the AntsRoute mobile application, letting them validate each task in the most efficient way. The app is available on both Android and iOS, and from it, drivers can:

• See a list of the daily stops.
• View any route change updates in real time.
• View customer contact details and send them updates.
• Access work order details.
• Launch the Waze or Google Maps navigation apps.
• Schedule extra work orders, if necessary.
• Postpone work orders at the end of the route in case of absence.

The application is not simply a fleet management tool or a GPS device for tracking delivery drivers. It’s a system for communicating with teams in the field in real time.

The AntsRoute mobile application for delivery drivers.

3. Live geolocation of your drivers for operations managers and customers

Live geolocation enables operations managers to check that their field workers are where they should be. Aside from simple peace-of-mind, this allows quick reactions if anything doesn’t go to plan. If your delivery drivers get stuck in a traffic jam, break down or are involved in an incident with another vehicle, for example, AntsRoute cross-references their GPS position with Waze or Google Maps to make the best decision. AntsRoute offers several solutions in the event of unforeseen circumstances:

• Calculate a new route,
• Assign another delivery driver to a route,
• Rearrange the order of delivery stages,
• Reschedule a customer visit.

Geolocation does not just benefit operations managers, but benefits customers too. Tracking links showing where your driver is with your package helps reassure customers that everything is going to plan. Knowing where their driver is located and how many stops are scheduled before their package arrives also gives them freedom to go about their day without fear of missing the delivery if it were to arrive when they weren’t expecting it.

AntsRoute displays the approximate, but not exact, driver location so as to keep drivers, and the goods being delivered, safe.

The live tracking of a delivery route on AntsRoute.

4. The sending of automated notifications to customers

Sending automated delivery notifications is a great way to improve customer experience while increasing efficiency and reducing costs. They provide customers with up-to-date information on their orders and give businesses a competitive edge. Customers can track their orders from start to finish, which gives them greater peace-of-mind as they wait for their packages to turn up. AntsRoute sends email or SMS notifications at key points during a parcel’s journey:

• Pre-delivery reminder with estimated time of arrival (ETA).
• Confirmation that the parcel is on its way.
• Indication of waiting time before the parcel arrives.
• Notifications triggered by hand from the application.
• Confirmation of work order cancellations.

Automating this process gives customers up-to-date information on their orders while allowing businesses to save time and money by eliminating manual processes such as tracking down individual orders or responding to inquiries about order status. With automated delivery notifications, businesses have the opportunity to take advantage of increased efficiency, improved customer experience, and reduced costs for a competitive customer experience.

Knowing exactly when an order will arrive also helps build trust between customers and suppliers, making it more likely that they will become repeat buyers in the future. AntsRoute invites customers to leave feedback after they receive their order via an automated notification 30 minutes after it has been delivered. The service can be rated using a simple system, and additional comments can be left. By gathering and analysing this data, suppliers are able to improve the quality of their service and keep their customers satisfied.

Sending a link to reschedule a delivery on AntsRoute.

5. Automated proof of delivery

Automating the process of collecting proof of delivery is an effective way for businesses to increase accuracy while reducing costs associated with manual labour and human error. By investing in specialised delivery route planning software, businesses can gain real-time visibility into where their packages are located at any time throughout their journey from origin to destination—allowing them to provide customers with quick confirmation about successful deliveries without having to manually collect paper-based evidence each time a package is delivered successfully.

Proof of delivery can come in different forms: a photo of the parcel at its end destination, a signature from the person receiving the parcel, comments regarding the delivery (no one to accept package, package damaged, missing items, etc.) or barcode scanning.

Automating the process of gathering proof of delivery confirms details including the time and place of delivery, the details of the package being delivered and the identity of the person who agreed receipt of the parcel. Such traceability of products allows for immediate response to any complaints of issues for a better after sales service.

Human error can lead to mistakes such as incorrect addresses and missed signatures, which can delay or affect future deliveries. With automated proof of delivery gathering, these mistakes are significantly reduced, leading to higher accuracy and fewer delays.

If you’re interested in integrating automated proof of delivery gathering into your business operations, it’s important to find a reliable provider like AntsRoute, who has experience in this field and is able to provide you with a comprehensive solution.

6. The availability of APIs and webhooks to integrate with the tools you already use

If your orders, customers or invoicing are already managed through a CRM or ERP system, you can use the AntsRoute API to connect these systems to your account. AntsRoute has APIs, webhooks and integrations with many platforms including Zapier, WooCommerce, Shopify, Prestashop and more. Signing up to AntsRoute allows you to benefit from our integrations, without having to switch the tools you already know and rely upon. All of your data can be managed in one place, making it even easier to automate your tasks effectively.

APIs and webhooks enable integration with other enterprise tools.

Delivery route planning software in 2025: choose a free or paid tool?

Delivery route planning software is an invaluable tool for any transport service looking to increase efficiency and productivity while reducing the manual work associated with route planning. From route optimisation and live geolocation of drivers to integration options with CRM and other systems, there are many different functionalities that make up a complete delivery route planning solution.
By making effective use of these features, you can reduce your costs while offering a high-quality customer experience, enabling you to stay one step ahead of the competition.

Are you planning to optimise your deliveries? That’s great news! To plan your delivery routes, you’re thinking of using free tools like Google Maps. But do these tools offer the six functionalities described above? What are the advantages of paid solutions like AntsRoute? Here’s a table comparing the six features:

Do you want to try out for free our route optimisation software to grow your business? Just register here!