Planning a route in Dispatch is about ensuring every stop is accounted for and optimized for efficiency. Using tools like the 'Route Planner', you can easily track, schedule, and adjust your stops to create a route. Follow the steps below to get started.
How to find project logistics in the Route Planner
Navigate to 'Dispatch' and click 'Route Planner'
Choose a 'Store Location'. This refers to the Sales Office the route will start from
Filter by project status
If needed, filter by the 'Stop Type' to view specific logistics (e.g., Drop Off Pinpoint, Drop Off Window, Pick Up Pinpoint, and Pick Up Window)
Use the calendar to select a date to plan a route
The 'Unscheduled' tab will show you all Pinpoint Arrivals, Window Arrivals, and projects with logistics set to 'TBD'. You can learn more about these terms from the Dispatch Glossary
How to create a route using Unscheduled logistics
Click on a logistic under 'Pinpoint Arrivals', 'Window Arrivals', or 'TBD Arrivals' and drag and drop it over to a vehicle. This will create a route that is visible on the map. Learn how to add a vehicle to your Route Planner here.
Drag and drop additional logistics to the route to create another waypoint. Commuter times will automatically calculate and can be visible in between routes. You can also adjust the 'Time on site' for each waypoint. Learn how to do so here.
How can I customize a route?
Customizing a route's color or name can help you quickly identify and differentiate routes, making managing multiple schedules easier and ensuring clear communication with drivers and team members. For example, you can designate a route color per driver to differentiate between routes assigned to your drivers. Follow the steps below to get started.
Click on the route name to edit the name. Hit 'Enter' on your keyboard to save the name. You can also click the color (i.e., the circle) to change the route color and assign a driver.
Need a lunch stop for your driver? Add a 'Custom Stop' and drag and drop that into the route. Learn more about creating Custom Stops here.
How can I view conflicts for a route?
Waypoints or Custom Stops that overlap will flag conflicts on a route. You can view conflicts by clicking the 'Conflict' tab beneath the Calendar on the left menu.
How can I view my planned routes?
Once you finish building or planning your route, you can view them under 'My Routes' in Dispatch. You narrow your route search by using the following filters:
Route Start Date
Warehouse
Driver
Vehicle
Status
Click on a route to view more information.
Note that only Full Users can create or modify routes. Learn more about Dispatch permissions for each user seat here.