Multi-Stop Delivery Fleets Monitored in Real-Time
Descartes Route Planner™ On-demand provides an easy and affordable way to plan, optimize, dispatch routes, track and monitor delivery fleets in real time. This on-demand fleet management solution combines sophisticated functionality with the simplicity of service delivery built to run on the Web. It optimizes both static routes and dynamic routes to maximize efficiency by taking into account geographic zones, time windows and other physical constraints when planning delivery fleets.
Descartes Route Planner On-demand is comprised of a number of full-featured web-based modules that are distinct in their functionality and operate independently, yet work together seamlessly to create an end-to-end route planning solution.
Delivery Route Planning in Real Time
Order Management
The first step is the automatic transfer of electronic client data into the Descartes solution via the Web. The data is uploaded as frequently as required, verified, then geocoded and prepared for use. Intelligent filters improve data integrity and solve problems such as bad addresses while flagging incomplete data for operators to correct.
Order Notification / Confirmations
Clients can automatically be notified of scheduled or adjusted delivery times via e-mail, Web site, SMS, or phone call. Clients can also view their specific E.T.A. or delivery window in real time via the Web, and cancel, accept or modify an order. This direct, customized, and automated interaction provides an affordable way to improve service levels.
Dispatch Management
Once data is geocoded and filtered dispatchers can build routes. Orders are first assigned estimated delivery times and mileage is calculated. They are then sequenced into an optimal multi-stop route-based on constraints and engineered labor standards. Visual mapping tools are available for the driver and enable dispatchers or customer service representatives to manage the status of routes.
Routing for Multi-stop Fleets
The sophisticated and powerful software geocodes addresses, while a constraint based engine sequences and optimizes delivery routes based on street level digital maps. The system calculates estimated times of arrival (E.T.A.s) and sequences multi stops based on constraints and economics.
Customer Service
The customer service module provides fast and easy access to real-time delivery information. Real-time visibility into the delivery status of every order improves service by allowing for proactive issue resolution, managing customer expectations and ensuring delivery windows meet customer needs.
Business Analysis/Reports
The business intelligence module simplifies the decision making process by providing extensive reports on your delivery operations. Since all historical client data is archived on the Descartes solution, data can be manipulated, queries processed and reports analyzed on the fly.
Dispatch Management
Drivers are tracked using any wireless to web device including cell phones, handheld PDAs, GPS enabled phones, or customer field tracking units. A variety of data is captured in real time. This eliminates the need to re-engineer existing processes and incur additional capital costs.Real-Time Tracking and Field Data Capture