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Route optimization software: 9 tips to choose the right solution

24 November 2021 | 5 min read

In the wide family of Transport Management Systems (TMS), route optimizers use Artificial Intelligence to build routes which are less time and resource consuming. But their advantages do not stop there! Some software publishers now offer all-in-one planning tools. In addition to logistics management, they also include invoicing and communication features.
Before you subscribe, here’s a list of the 9 essential questions to ask yourself when choosing the best route optimization software.

1. Does the route optimization software have all the required features?

Before looking around at the transport software available, the right thing to do is to list the services that the solution must imperatively include. For example, if you manage parcel delivery routes, suitable software should include at least:

• A module for setting the precise characteristics of the vehicles (loading capacity, engine, etc.).
• The management of time constraints set by clients.
• The real-time tracking of deliveries.
• The automated sending of emails or SMS to inform customers about the driver’s arrival.
• Decision-making tools to react more efficiently to traffic jams, etc.

It is up to you, of course, to adapt this list to the real needs of your business. Make sure that the expected features are available and fully operative. In other words, on this short list, you should not be satisfied with promises of developments!

2. Does the preferred solution take into account all your business constraints?

In addition to these features, which are considered essential, some publishers offer industry-specific solutions. Every route optimization software is based on a combination of algorithms. In simple terms, an algorithm is an ordered sequence of mathematical calculations that allow a reliable result to be achieved from the data provided by the users. Depending on your business, some organizational solutions are particularly relevant.
For example, if you manage a fleet of commercial vehicles which must regularly return to a warehouse, it is in your interest to choose transport software which includes a pickup and delivery mode.
In the same way, if some field services require specific certifications or authorizations, it is better to select a tool that takes these constraints into account in its calculations.

3. What are the publisher’s references in your industry?

Even if some software developers do not want to communicate, all of them have one or more industry-specific anchors. Check out the website or ask a sales representative about their references in your field. For example, on the AntsRoute website, we even have a customer testimonials page.
Here you can read feedback from some of our users in our preferred industries:

• Delivery of parcels and fresh products.
• Planning of home care.
• Commissioning, maintenance or repair routes.

4. Are the proposed scheduling methods suitable for your needs?

The methods of making appointments are different from one company to another. Carriers often set up their schedules after importing one or more order files. Conversely, many customers now schedule technical field service or home repair using an online platform.
Whatever your scheduling habits, be careful about this. A well-designed route scheduler should be flexible enough to adapt to your work flow, not the other way around!

5. Is the solution intuitive and easy to use on every device?

Can you imagine your employees being stuck behind their screens for hours while they learn to use the new route software? That’s what can happen if the user experience is poor. The best route optimization software is useless if it is not embraced by your team.
Most editors offer a free trial period based on your transport data. Take advantage of this to check whether the tool is as easy to use as it looks… The most colorful solutions are not always the easiest to use, and vice versa!

6. Can the route optimization software be integrated with other business software already used?

Here is an important thing to study: the possibilities of integration between optimization software and the different solutions that make up your information system (CRM, ERP, etc.). Such IT “bridges” are extremely valuable in avoiding double entries and errors, and thus increasing the productivity of your teams.

By choosing AntsRoute, you benefit from 3 types of technological solutions depending on your needs:

• Our technical teams have developed specific modules allowing an easy interconnection between AntsRoute and WooCommerce, Prestashop, Google Calendar or Odoo software.
• Zapier allows you to connect AntsRoute to more than 2000 applications like Google Sheets, Salesforce, Quickbooks… even if you don’t know how to code!
• Thanks to our open Rest API, even the most demanding professionals can integrate our application directly with their in-house solution to build a tailored IT environment.

7. What resources are committed by the provider in terms of support and assistance?

Ask the software publisher about the human and technological resources available to users. At AntsRoute, for example, our customers have access to several complementary resources on a daily basis:

• A complete online help center, whose information is available 24/7.
• A live chat.
• A support team to help you in the use of the software and the mobile application. Léa, our Customer Success Manager, devotes 100% of her time to supporting our customers at every stage: initial setting, implementation of new features, vehicle changeover, etc

Also look at the General Terms and Conditions, which are usually available online. Either way, the publisher should provide you with a written answer to the following questions:

• What are its service availability commitments?
• What is the maximum response time in case of a major breakdown?

The Terms and Conditions of AntsRoute state that we “make every effort to ensure an annual service availability of over 98%”. We also undertake to deal with major faults within 4 working hours and to resolve the situation within 24 working hours.

8. What is the size of the technical team and where do they work?

Guaranteeing customers effective support in the event of an incident or error, even a minor one, requires experienced in-house developers… and if possible in the same time zone. The AntsRoute technical team consists of a dozen developers, all of them working in our premises in Nancy, France.
A large number of IT technicians also ensure continuous improvements and innovations.

9. What are the possibilities for customizing and upgrading the software?

If your company has succeeded in standing out from its competitors, it is due to certain specificities that make your offer unique: type of products transported, efficiency of the organization, quality of customer service, etc. A good optimization software should help you to build even more efficient routes, while taking into account these specificities that make your strength.
Our developers have therefore integrated numerous customized fields into AntsRoute, which can be easily set up, in order to optimize the management and reading of information flows.
To facilitate scaling up, we also offer pricing following your growth. Your company is growing and new needs are emerging, such as a dedicated interface or advanced integrations? Our offers can be adapted to any type of organization!

Do you want to be sure that AntsRoute is the best route optimization software for your company? Go to the following page to enjoy free 7-day trial, using your own transport data!