Get from A to B faster with route optimisation

If you’re tired of spending hours on the road, stuck in traffic, and constantly running late for appointments, route optimisation is the answer. As a tradesperson, you know time is money, and every minute you waste travelling to jobs is a potential missed opportunity or unhappy customer.

So, if you find yourself feeling too slow and too furious and want to kick it up a gear – Tokyo drift style – say hello to route optimisation software. It’s not going to blur the neon lights of London as you race to your destination because, well, *speed limits*, but it is going to cool your fury, save you time and money, and help reduce your impact on the environment.

Why is route planning important?

Route optimisation is just a fancy way of describing the fastest and most efficient way to get from A to B (legally). Whether you’re picking up materials or visiting multiple job sites, an optimised route planner looks at minimising your travel time, reducing fuel costs, and making your day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Not only will route optimisation save you time and money, but it’ll also make your life easier. For example, no more scribbling down directions, making multiple trips to the same location, or missing appointments. Route optimisation software will make sure you know where to go and how long it’ll take to get there.

How do you optimise a route?

Here’s a rundown of the important route optimisation techniques to use. The first step is to make a list of all the tasks you need to do that day (or week). Make sure you include all the addresses, appointment times, and any other relevant information. Then, once you’ve collated all the info, input it into your route optimisation software and let it transform your vehicle into a time-killing machine.

If you’ve splashed out on the best route optimisation software on the market, it’ll take into account real-time traffic, construction, and other road closures. In other words: no more getting caught in traffic jams that mess up your entire schedule. And here’s the best part: most route optimisation software is available on your smartphone. This means you can access it on the go and make changes to your route in real-time, no matter where you are.

Benefits of route optimisation

Considering route optimisation for your business is a smart idea. It’s a simple addition with a big impact, which is why it’s a must-have tool for any tradesperson.

Time-saving

The main benefit of route optimisation software is the time it saves you. Optimising your route means less time on the road and more time completing the tasks you need to get done in a day.

Money saving

By minimising the amount of time you spend travelling, you naturally reduce your fuel consumption. In the long term, this translates to saving money on fuel costs and vehicle maintenance.

Increased efficiency

By definition, an optimised route means you know exactly where to go and how long it’ll take you to get there. This frees up time for you to plan your day more efficiently and effectively. Is there anything you wanted to squeeze in before you went home? Is there a particular time you like to have lunch? Well, now you know what’s doable!

Improved customer satisfaction

By arriving on time and reducing the amount of time you spend on the road, you can improve customer satisfaction and build a better reputation for your business. No one likes tardiness or greeting grumpy tradespeople who’ve spent hours staring at number plates and trying to guess what on earth the hold-up is.

Reduced stress

Traffic is stressful. Following scribbled-down directions is stressful. Making multiple trips to the same location is boring and stressful, and missing appointments is the absolute worst type of stress. Thankfully, route optimisation helps you plan your day more effectively, avoiding all these issues.

Easy to use

Most route optimisation software is available on your smartphone, making it easy to use on the go. You can also make changes to your route in real-time no matter where you are.

Reduced environmental impact

The environmental benefits of route optimisation are great. Reducing your time on the road means you use less fuel and emit less CO2, which helps reduce air pollution. It also helps reduce your operating costs and ensures your business is more sustainable in the long run.

The best route optimisation software

Lots of route optimisation software options are available on the market, all of which offer their own unique features and benefits.

Standalone software

This is an optimised route planner that is installed on your computer, laptop or tablet. It offers a range of advanced features; for example, real-time traffic updates and multiple-stop optimisation. It’s usually available through a one-off payment.

Web-based software

You can access this route optimisation software through a web browser, meaning you don’t need to install it on a device. It’s a great option if you have more than one driver in your fleet or more than one vehicle you want to route optimise.

Mobile app

This type of software is designed for your smartphone or tablet and lets you optimise routes on the go. It’s a great option if you’re a tradesperson who’s always on the move and need real-time access to your routes.

GPS tracking software

Although it sounds a bit 1984-esque, GPS tracking is pretty common these days. This software is designed to optimise routes and give real-time visibility into vehicle and driver behaviour.

GPS software is ideal for businesses that need to keep track of multiple vehicles and make sure they’re following the most efficient routes.

Integration with other software

Some route optimisation software can be integrated with other software programs, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, which makes it more efficient and streamlined. This is only worth it for larger businesses with lots of customers.

Please note: All types of route optimisation software have their pros and cons. So, make sure you do your research and find one that best fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a simple and straightforward solution or a more advanced and feature-rich option, there’s a type of route optimisation software out there for you.

Cost of route optimisation software

The cost of route optimisation software varies depending on the type of software and features it offers. Some factors include:

• The type of software: Standalone software, web-based software, mobile apps, and GPS tracking software all vary in price. Standalone software is typically the most expensive, while mobile apps and web-based software are more affordable options
• The number of users: Some software pricing models are based on the number of users, meaning the cost goes up as the number of people using it does
• Its features: More advanced features such as real-time traffic updates, multiple stop optimisation, and GPS tracking can increase the cost of the software
• Integration with other software: Integrating your route optimisation software with other software, such as CRM systems, will add to the overall cost

On average, route optimisation software can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. However, there are also free and low-cost options available for businesses with more limited budgets. Regardless, it’s important to carefully consider the cost of the software and what you’re getting for your money before making a decision.

Related content: What to include on an invoice.

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