Route optimisation helps businesses worldwide, including Australia, maximise their completed orders. According to Market Research Future, the global route optimisation software market will reach $7.10 billion by 2023 at a CAGR of 11.4%. The fastest-growing segments include the FMCG and retail sectors with many companies using free route planning software to optimise their delivery operations.
During the crisis caused by the COVID-19 lockdown, Capterra witnessed a surge in traffic to its route planning software pages. The number increased by 243% during February and March. From March to April, the figure increased again by 117%, which shows that Australian businesses were requiring a seamless route planning solution during the pandemic.
If you’re looking for a streamlined solution to decrease costs, improve route efficiency, and deliver real-time analytics, here’s a list of the best free route planning software platforms available today in Australia.
Why use route planning software?
Small businesses use route planning software to manage schedules and vehicle routes. In turn, this helps to improve driver performance and distribution processes. The best free route planning software platforms use powerful management solutions to minimise drive time, fuel consumption and improve drop-offs.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the main benefits that businesses experience from using this type of software to optimise deliveries:
1. Stronger route planning capacity
Digital route planners allow businesses to capitalise on scenario modelling technologies. The technologies calculate different variables to deliver the most efficient and fastest route. Drivers receive step-by-step directions and enjoy dynamic route updates when the predetermined route is no longer efficient.
2. Time-saving
On multi-stop routes, it’s vital to plan the most time-saving route. Time is key in customer service and quality control management. Late deliveries can impact clients, profitability and operational costs. Also, when parcels are delivered past their deadline, service-level agreements (SLA) are broken and compensations are due to the customers. The best free route management software programs ensure that all parcels are delivered on time.
3. Increased visibility over logistics
Businesses increase visibility over your company’s logistical assets such as vans, trucks and drivers. Operational managers can oversee and coordinate to leverage their resources and skyrocket the number of deliveries completed.
4. CRM integration
Customer relationship management (CRM) software integrations automatically pull client addresses to provide the most efficient routes. CRM solutions eliminate errors in data syncing by providing up-to-date information from your clients’ database. The best free route planning software will identify optimal multi-stop routes from your warehouse or distribution centres to the delivery locations.
5. Enhanced driver and fleet management
Cloud-based platforms link drivers, customer service teams and operations managers with real-time indicators to ensure that everyone is up-to-date. The programs reduce fuel costs, increase productivity and profitability and support reliable management reporting for enhanced visibility.
4 free route planning software for Australian businesses
When choosing the route planning software for your business, consider the level of integration with your customer database and CRM. Account for connectivity, versatility and data points. Make sure the price is competitive and that the customer support team meets your needs.
Below we’ve put together a list of the top route planning platforms available in Australia. All software platforms are free to the user temporarily or permanently. We’ve analysed their overall rating, ease of use, key features, integration capabilities and connectivity capacity.
For the methodology, we used to create this list, skip to the bottom of the page.
1. LogiNext Mile
Overall rating: 4.3/5
Ease of use: 4.3/5
Customer service: 4.2/5
LogiNext Mile is a route planning and optimisation platform that uses machine learning algorithms to help identify the best routes for delivery. Based on live weather and traffic analysis, the program plants optimal schedules for delivery fulfilment. The program is used by businesses to improve their field workforce movement and logistics sectors. It’s available for iOS, Android and desktop devices
Key route planning features include:
- Dispatch management
- Driver management
- Performance metrics
- Drag & drop scheduling
- Live driver tracking
- Territory management.
Free version: Free trial.
Price to upgrade: $49.99/month.
Read more
2. MyRoute Online
Overall rating: 4.6/5
Ease of use: 4.6/5
Customer service: 4.7/5
MyRoute Online is a route optimisation program, which turns addresses from an Excel sheet into an efficient route plan, shared via GPS and mobile. The software is used by companies operating in the delivery sector, transportation, telecommunications, logistics and recycling industries. The program is made for use on desktop and mobile devices.
Key features include:
- Fleet Management Software: Dispatch, fuel, inspection, maintenance and work order management
- Mileage tracking and routing
- Territory management.
Free version: Free subscription options and free trials.
Price to upgrade: $14.95/one-time.
Read more
3. OptimoRoute
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Ease of use: 4.5/5
Customer service: 4.8/5
OptimoRoute is suitable for businesses that need optimised schedules and routes. The cloud-based route planning solution helps businesses design the best routes for efficient delivery. The software provider references that its customers enjoy a 45% efficiency increase and 30% time-saving, improved profitability, mileage reduction and exceptional resource tracking.
Key features include:
- Field service management solutions: Mobile access, routing, service history tracking, online time clock.
- Work order management, GPS tracking
- Food delivery dispatching, live tracking, order management, reporting/analytics
- CRM, fleet management, cross-docking, transportation management.
Free version: Free trial.
Price to upgrade: $19/monthly.
Read more
4. Route4Me
Overall rating: 4.4/5
Ease of use: 4.4/5
Customer service: 4.3/5
Route4Me is a route planner made for businesses which require logistics and routing services. The web-based platform lets companies share, manage and create optimised routes. It’s a leading route sequencing and optimisation solution for all-sized enterprises. The program is made for mobile and desktop devices.
Key features include:
- Courier software: Barcode support, dispatch and job assignment management
- Delivery management solution, customer portal, delivery tracking, scheduling
- Dispatch management, routing, territory management, live driver tracking, driver management.
Free version: Free subscription options and free trials.
Price to upgrade: $99/monthly.
Read more
Businesses of any size can increase profitability, lower costs and streamline their delivery and logistics operations with the best route planning software platforms available.
Tool selection methodology:
Capterra chose tools for route planning software based on the following criteria:
- At least 50 real-user reviews on the Capterra website
- A high search volume (using SEO tools) in Australia
- At least an overview rating of 4 / 5 stars
- A free version (either a free-forever account option or a free trial)
- An Australian market.
Tools were listed in alphabetical order.
This article may refer to products, programs or services that are not available in your country, or that may be restricted under the laws or regulations of your country. We suggest that you consult the software provider directly for information regarding product availability and compliance with local laws.
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