Introduction
This feature lets you combine Rule Sets with Order Groups to instruct the TMS to automatically create optimized routes for your last-mile deliveries.
This route planning method is suitable if you handle recurring deliveries that follow a consistent schedule, like daily deliveries of fresh products, subscription box deliveries, weekly scheduled supplies deliveries.
It also benefits situations with specific delivery windows, such as grocery deliveries on weekends, by automating route planning during non-peak hours and avoiding rush hour traffic.
How to Set It Up
To create a fully automated route plan, you need to have:
existing orders or services in the system
order groups
an existing rule set
Creating an Order Group
With Order Groups, you can cluster orders together based on specific criteria and assign them to a predetermined route plan according to your planning schedule.
Available criteria for grouping orders:
Orders from a specific Organization
Orders with specific Tags.
To create an Order Group:
Go to Route Planning. Find the "Order Groups" menu and click "Create An Order Group" in the centre of the page, or “New Order Group” in the top-right corner.
Give it a name. Choose a clear name that reflects the group’s nature or purpose. E.g. Saturday bread deliveries.
Link the Relevant rule set. Select the rule set that will be used to calculate the routes for this group.
Set the time zone. Choose the time zone that the TMS should use when calculating the route plan.
Define Your Order Matches: Here's where you tell the TMS which orders belong to this group. You can choose based on "Organizations" and "Tags."
Set up a planning schedule. The routes will be created with the frequency and on the days you define in here. It is only possible to plan up to 7 days in advance.
Hit Create! Click "Create Order Group" and let the TMS work its magic. If you want to make changes to the Match Criteria or the Planning Schedule at a later time, you can do it by editing or deleting them as shown by the arrows below.
The TMS will automatically create optimized route plans based on your defined rules.
The only thing left for you to do is to double-check and assign the routes to your drivers or contractors.