Considering an ORTEC Alternative? Why Companies Choose Descartes 

Evaluating an ORTEC alternative? Choose an innovative, scalable delivery management platform complete with: 

• Modern mapping technology 
• Real-time visibility and performance management 
• Mobile integration 
• A user-friendly experience. 

Descartes offers proven technology, a modern tech stack, integrated mobile capabilities, and proactive customer support. 

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If you're evaluating an ORTEC alternative, you're likely questioning whether your current solution can keep up with evolving delivery management demands. Last-mile businesses are looking for: 

• Modern user interfaces and reliable mapping experiences. 
• Integrated mobile solutions to remove the need for additional third-party providers. 
• Round-the-clock support, especially during periods of peak demand. 
• Cloud-native platforms. 

With increasingly complex deliveries and customer expectations rising, relying on disconnected systems or slow support can introduce serious operational risk. Companies that are growing and evolving need a partner that can scale with them—not hold them back. 

Modern last-mile logistics demands more than just efficient routing—it requires real-time responsiveness, seamless technology integration, and a partner that understands how to turn complexity into clarity. 

At Descartes, we offer a comprehensive delivery management solution that brings routing, dispatch, mobile, customer communication, and analytics together in one place.  

Below, we explore how Descartes delivers the key capabilities essential for last-mile success. 

Many vendors emphasize continuous optimization, while in reality their models involve periodic system checks. 

In contrast, Descartes delivers true continuous optimization, which runs in real time—adjusting plans dynamically as new orders are received, based on real capacity and factoring in operational constraints.  

This allows planners to: 

• Gain visibility into delivery routes as they are being created, not just after a batch is processed. 
• Plan efficiently without waiting for all orders to be finalized—driving density and generating lower-cost routes. 
• Make decisions using real-time data, such as adding delivery capacity or modifying routes in response to disruptions. 
• Extend order cut-off times while still meeting service windows through wave picking. 
• Offer tighter delivery windows and same-day service with confidence. 
• Optimize simultaneously to meet time windows, minimize miles driven and reduce the number of routes, all while adhering to business constraints. 
• Compared to batch optimization, continuous optimization delivers better results, faster planning cycles, and more agility for last-minute adjustments, making it ideal for high-volume, fast-moving delivery operations. 

Descartes delivers powerful, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven optimization algorithms refined over decades—providing you with reliable, cost-effective route plans. 

Execution is where even the best plans can fall apart—especially in last-mile delivery. Descartes provides real-time visibility across your entire fleet, so your team can see exactly where drivers are, respond to disruptions as they happen, and keep customers informed with accurate ETAs. 

Key features include: 

• Live vehicle tracking with GPS and telematics integration. 
• Real-time driver updates and exception alerts. 
• In-the-moment visibility into delivery progress and performance. 
• Automated status updates for customers and internal teams. 
• Visibility of planned versus actual performance. 

With integrated planning, execution and customer engagement, Descartes helps you go from plan to performance—without missing a beat. 

Descartes’ mobile solution is developed in-house for smooth integration with routing, dispatch, and customer communication. This eliminates the complexity and risk of stitching together third-party solutions. 

Key features include: 

• Configurable, enforceable workflows for drivers to follow 
• Enforceable route sequences 
• Auto arrive and depart based on geolocation 
• Proof of delivery such as signature, photo capture and notes 

Descartes offers dynamic appointment booking and time slot optimization features to reduce friction in your ordering process.  

Coupled with continuous optimization, the reservations solution allows you to present customers with time slots based on true capacity. Customers can choose from delivery windows that are feasible, cost effective and fuel efficient, while the optimizer dynamically creates the most efficient routes.  

Businesses can highlight eco-friendly time slots and price them dynamically based on how much they cost to serve. 

A modern platform should offer more than just functionality; it should be intuitive and fast. Descartes offers: 

• Modern, easy-to-use interface 
• Advanced map experiences with live traffic overlays 
• Streamlined workflows that reduce clicks and training time 
• Simplified, consolidated workspaces that eliminate flipping between applications or modules 

Descartes focuses on applying data and analytics directly to operational performance. 

With 15% of revenue reinvested annually into research and development, Descartes delivers continuous innovation and future-proof solutions that meet real-world logistics demands. 

We work in partnership with our customers, market leaders, and partners to understand where the distribution space is headed and to meet the needs head on. 

Organizations have transitioned to Descartes because of: 

• Modern, integrated mobile capabilities. 
• Superior real-time tracking and visibility. 
• A proactive support team with deep sector knowledge. 
• Continuous innovation and responsiveness to feedback. 
• Descartes’ scalable, integrated and broad solution portfolio to solve every last-mile challenge. 

In addition, Descartes' team doesn't wait for customers to lead—we drive strategic conversations, bring new ideas to the table and offer tangible ways to achieve more efficient, resilient operations. 

If you’re considering an ORTEC alternative, now is the time to explore how Descartes can help you modernize your delivery operations with confidence. Consider taking these initial steps: 

1. Take our free Routing Software Health Check to assess your current system’s strengths and uncover new opportunities for optimization. 

2. Speak with a Descartes solution expert to see how our integrated delivery management platform can help you streamline operations, reduce costs, and meet rising customer demand. 

Take control of your last-mile operations - and build a smarter, more resilient future.