Examine how software is delivered

How software is delivered and paid for is also worth examining.

Paragon produces an out-of-the-box system, which can be tailored by the user by adjusting existing parameters.

Generally it is sold as an installed system, although it can be hosted, and, technically, cloud-based if a customer wanted it.

Route Monkey suggests that software as service cloud-based products, which are still unusual in the routeing market, is actually more useful for very small firms.

“For fewer than 30 vehicles we would recommend a SAS model, although we can also install it on PCs or a server,” says Ferguson.

“For larger businesses it’s a decision that requires some consultancy.

"Although generally you have only one person accessing R&S software at a time, because you don’t want multiple plans, a company like Iceland has many depots which may all be planning at once.

Placing their software on the cloud means their resource can be scalable to the number of transport planners working at that moment – if more come online, more servers can fire up.”

Key tips

• Check the software can be sufficiently tailored to your operation, needs and even drivelines
• Look at different methods of hosting or installation, and payment
• Ensure the software proves itself in trials using your data before you commit n Initial routing is usually fast; but check how long it will take to reconfigure your plan for last-minute jobs
• Ensure you can compare the planned routes with the actual performance by the driver, otherwise your savings may remain on paper.