Dynamic vs. Static Routing

There are two main types of routing software: dynamic and static. Both have their own unique benefits and uses, which is why they are popular in different industries. In this blog post, we will define both types of routing software and explain when you might want to use each one. We will also compare the two and highlight how they differ from each other.

What Is Routing Software Used For?

Routing software is used to plan and optimize delivery routes. This can be helpful for a business that delivers products or services to customers. By using routing software, businesses can save time and money by planning the most efficient routes possible. When used in addition to Product Scheduling or Dispatch software, businesses can automate their entire delivery process from start to finish.

What Industries Can Benefit from Using Routing Software?

Routing software is popular in many different industries, including:

• Food and beverage delivery
• Package and courier delivery
• Manufacturing
• Retail and Wholesale Trade
• Transportation and Warehousing
  

Each of these industries has unique routing needs. For example, food and beverage businesses might need to consider things like traffic patterns and the best time of day to deliver. Public transportation systems might need to consider things like the number of stops and the distance between each stop. Towing and landscaping businesses might need to consider things like the size of the vehicle and the type of terrain. No matter what industry you are in, routing software can help you save time and money by optimizing your delivery routes.

What Is Dynamic Routing Software?

Dynamic routing software is a type of routing software that uses real-time data to plan routes. This means that the software takes into account traffic, weather, and other conditions that could impact the route. Dynamic routing software is often used by businesses that need to make last-minute changes to their routes. For example, a business that delivers food or groceries may use dynamic routing software to avoid traffic congestion or bad weather. In the case of auto industries, some auto-manufacturing plants use dynamic routing software to route vehicles through the plant in real-time. This helps to avoid potential collisions and improve efficiency.

What Are the Benefits of Using Dynamic Routing Software?

There are many benefits of using dynamic routing software, including:

• Improved customer service – By planning efficient routes, businesses can deliver their products or services faster and with fewer delays. This can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Reduced fuel costs – Planning efficient routes can help businesses save money on fuel by reducing the amount of time that vehicles are on the road.
• Improved fleet utilization – By using routing software, businesses can make sure that their vehicles are being used as efficiently as possible. This can help businesses save money on maintenance and repairs.

What Is Static Routing Software?

Static routing software is a type of routing software that uses fixed data to plan routes. This means that the software does not take into account real-time conditions, such as traffic or weather. Static routing software is often used by businesses that have predictable delivery schedules. For example, a business that delivers packages on a regular schedule may use static routing software to plan its routes in advance. Static routing software can also be used to plan routes for public transportation systems, such as buses or trains.

Why Choose Static Instead of Dynamic Routing?

There are many reasons why businesses might choose static routing over dynamic routing, including:

• Predictability – Static routing can be used to plan routes in advance, which can help businesses predict their delivery times.
• Ease of use – Static routing software is often easier to use than dynamic routing software. This is because it does not require real-time data.
• Cost – Static routing software is often less expensive than dynamic routing software.

What is the Difference Between Static and Dynamic Routing?

The main difference between dynamic and static routing software is the type of data that is used to plan routes. Dynamic routing software uses real-time data, while static routing software uses fixed data. This means that dynamic routing software can take into account things like traffic or weather, while static routing software cannot. Another difference is that dynamic routing software is often used for last-minute changes, while static routing software is often used for predictable schedules. Additionally, if you are running under a tight budget, static routing software may be a better option because it does not require real-time data, which can be costly.

Which Type of Routing Software Is Right for Your Business?

The type of routing software that you use will depend on both the long and short-term needs of your business. If you need to make last-minute changes to your routes, then you will likely need to use dynamic routing software. If you have a predictable delivery schedule, then you may be able to use static routing software. In some cases, you may even need to use both types of routing software. For example, you may use dynamic routing software for last-minute changes and static routing software for your regular delivery routes.

Wise Systems Offers a Variety of Routing Software to Help Grow Your Business

Routing software can be a valuable tool for businesses that need to improve their customer service, reduce fuel costs, or improve fleet utilization. Dynamic routing software is a type of routing software that uses real-time data to plan routes, while static routing software is a type of routing software that uses fixed data to plan routes. The main difference between dynamic and static routing software is the type of data that is used to plan routes. The type of routing software that you use will depend on both the long and short-term needs of your business. In some cases, you may even need to use both types of routing software. Wise Systems offers affordable and efficient programs for routing, scheduling, and dispatch software. We work with you to provide a solution that meets the specific needs of your business. For more information about our available programs, please visit our website to request a demo, or give us a call at 857-327-5802.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does each type of routing software adjust (or not adjust) to real-time changes like traffic, weather, or last-minute order changes?

With static routing software, routes are predetermined and stay the same from day to day. Monday routes always include the same sequence of stops, and the same is true for each subsequent day of the week. 

Dynamic routing software, on the other hand, builds each day’s orders in order to optimize for service and efficiency. Monday’s route will be based on the orders that need to be delivered that day, and the order will be based on the optimized sequence. Additional orders can be accepted.  

How does each type of routing impact the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of fleet operations?

Dynamic routing is more complex than static routing because it removes day-to-day predictability. In addition, dynamic routing requires advanced technology to achieve results at scales. However, it can lead to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies through: 

• Improved resource utilization – you’re only staffing and managing known orders, rather than running routes that may not actually include the order volume that would justify the investment. 
• Allowing on-demand ordering – to create more order flow and flexibility in servicing your customers. 
• More efficient routing – the system will build the most efficient stop sequences given the load volume, driver, vehicle and customer constraints. 
• Reducing the number of vehicles on the road – because you’ll only run the precise number of vehicles required to support that day’s stops.

Improved customer satisfaction – with increased flexibility and ordering options (if offered), you can provide better support to existing and new accounts. 

Static routing, while  simpler to manage, may not offer these same long-term savings, particularly in more complex operational environments.

How easy or difficult is it to switch from static to dynamic routing in an existing operation?

Most operations migrating from static to dynamic routing will take the intermediate step of implementing a static + dynamic hybrid routing strategy. This allows the organization to schedule a certain number of static stops in each day’s routes and then fill in around them with other orders that should be delivered that day. Wise Systems’ route optimization software makes it easy to migrate from static to dynamic routing in an existing operation. The software supports: 

• Static Routing
• Dynamic Routing
• Static + Dynamic Hybrid Routing