As a result, businesses are better able to forecast delivery times, provide shortened time windows, improve time efficiency, cut back on mileage and fuel, reduce work-hours or number of vehicles, and increase productivity. Businesses further improve customer service as they can react quickly to unexpected and daily changes to their distribution operation. What to Look for Prospective users of optimization software should give consideration to many critical issues in deciding on a product. A quality decision support software investment must demonstrate results in applications over a broad range of industries to be truly effective. A flexible program is essential.
Quick installation saves time and money.
The optimization algorithms used by the system should be capable of creating cost effective routes and schedules in a manner that effectively maximizes on available resources. With a software that delivers on these requirements, managers should recoup the costs invested in the optimization tool within six to twelve months. Ultimately, the true test of an effective optimization tool is in the results. Users should expect no less than an immediate impact on their bottom line, with a complementary ability to better service their customers. Other companies have reaped the benefits of using routing and scheduling software.