What Is a Dispatch Routing System?

Fleet vehicles and drivers might make your fleet go ‘round, but everything grinds to a halt without effective dispatching. Dispatching makes it possible for logistics companies to get a bird’s eye view of route execution.

Traditional dispatching requires significant hands-on, manual effort, which only slows your team down. That’s why more organizations are embracing dispatch routing systems.

Human dispatchers still review the routes, but the software handles all of the planning and heavy lifting. The right dispatching software can even make adjustments based on real-time data like weather and traffic patterns.

Let’s look at how dispatch routing systems work and why they’re so beneficial.

In this article:

• What Is a Dispatch Routing System?
• How Does Dispatch Routing Work?
• The Benefits of Dispatch Routing Systems
• Steering Toward Better Fleet Performance
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Dispatch Routing System?

A dispatch routing system is an advanced logistics technology that helps businesses determine the most efficient routes for transporting goods or services. It uses sophisticated algorithms and real-time data, including traffic conditions, weather forecasts, and delivery schedules, to optimize the paths taken by vehicles.

Dispatch and routing systems help companies ensure timely deliveries while minimizing fuel consumption and travel time. They can also be integrated with GPS tracking and mapping software and other systems of record, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and warehouse management systems (WMS). Together, they create a connected ecosystem that helps organizations improve efficiency, increase visibility, and streamline their operations.

How Does Dispatch Routing Work?

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Dispatching is the core of last-mile logistics. Dispatchers plan and optimize routes for drivers, helping them complete all stops in the shortest amount of time.

Dispatch routing follows several steps to plan the best possible routes every time:

• Order and assignment: Your business receives an order, which includes information on location and priority level. Once the system receives the order, it assigns a vehicle or driver for the delivery based on the delivery location, vehicle capacity, and priority.
• Routing: Next, the dispatch routing system finds the most efficient and cost-effective route Solutions like the Wise Systems delivery automation platform consider factors like distance, traffic, weather, vehicle capacity, and delivery windows. It can even cut fuel costs by assigning fuel-efficient routes with less traffic and idling.
• Dispatching: The software sends details to the driver through a mobile app or driver portal. The system provides turn-by-turn directions via GPS, which helps drivers stick with their routes. Some systems even include special instructions or customer requests, which is great for improving the customer experience.
• Optimization: The drivers start their routes, and the dispatcher monitors their progress. However, things might change once the driver sets off on their route. The dispatcher relies on routing systems to re-route vehicles automatically based on road closures, traffic, or harsh weather. In some cases, the dispatcher might manually adjust the route based on information they have that the software doesn’t know, like driver preferences.

The Benefits of Dispatch Routing Systems

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Dispatch routing systems are a must-have for fleets of all sizes. It’s a dynamic addition to your workflow that makes it possible to adjust routes in real time, saving both time and money.

Lower Costs

Fuel costs are on the rise, and that can quickly eat into your margins. Dispatch routing systems reduce the distance your fleet travels and help you avoid idling in traffic.

They also reduce wear and tear on fleet vehicles and help your drivers do more in less time. Combined, these benefits lead to lower costs for zero added effort.

Improved Productivity and Visibility

Dispatchers don’t have time to manually calculate and optimize every route. Dispatch routing systems like Wise Systems use proprietary algorithms and even AI-powered engines to calculate the most efficient routes in record time. (Book a demo today to learn more!)

Both your dispatchers and drivers will love having more of their time back, allowing them to do better work without the hassle of delays or miscommunications.

This software is also key to improved visibility. Dispatch routing systems track all vehicles in real time, making it easy to monitor your fleet’s progress. Not only does this prevent theft and loss, but it also provides incredibly accurate data you can use to make more informed decisions about your fleet.

Better Safety

Driving is a dangerous job. Accidents happen, but dispatch routing systems can minimize the chances of accidents.

They reduce driver fatigue by directing drivers to the best possible routes. Some solutions, like Wise Systems, also monitor driver hours and performance to minimize your legal risks. Book a demo now to learn how to monitor performance and streamline your operations with Wise Systems.

Plus, dispatch routing systems also create a helpful paper trail. If you’re required to do an audit, the system will quickly generate logs that you can turn over to regulators and streamline the audit process.

Steering Toward Better Fleet Performance

Autonomous routing and dispatching is not only necessary, but is the future for many last-mile operations. Learn where your last-mile operations are today and make your AD&R plan. https://t.co/s5fAP9Ms4M pic.twitter.com/DK5fLF2Juq

— Wise Systems (@goWiseSystems) April 24, 2023

Dispatch routing systems are the glue that keeps your fleet together. They’re the key to lower costs, healthy work-life balance, and productivity in last-mile logistics. While human oversight is still occasionally needed, switching to a smart routing system gives you a serious leg up on the competition.

The Wise Systems delivery automation platform is a dispatch routing system that generates optimized routes in seconds through the power of AI. Monitor routes in real time, follow a customized routing strategy, and dispense directions to drivers in one holistic, user-friendly platform. Schedule a no-strings-attached Wise Systems demo now to plan better, faster routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dynamic routing different from static routing?

Yes. Dynamic routing changes routes in real time based on factors like traffic or weather.

Static routing, on the other hand, follows pre-planned routes that don’t change. Static is easier to plan upfront, but it doesn’t change based on current conditions, so it can lead to delays and higher operating costs.

Can dispatch routing systems handle disruptions, like vehicle breakdowns?

Absolutely. Dispatch routing systems are great for handling the unexpected, whether that’s breakdowns, drivers calling in sick, or inclement weather.

The system automatically adjusts remaining schedules and reassigns tasks to available vehicles. This all happens in just seconds, allowing fleets to change direction in no time.

What data do dispatch routing systems need?

These systems use a lot of data to make dynamic route adjustments. Most dispatch routing systems use data like:

• Driver availability
• Traffic
• Weather
• Vehicle capacity
• Delivery windows
• Customer requests