Before fleet managers add Time Windows functionality to their route optimization, they should carefully consider the pros and cons of time windows routing. In simple terms, it becomes a business decision whether to implement Time Windows with route optimization…with two distinct paths that emerge as options.
Pros and Cons of Time Windows: What’s Your Business Priority?
When making decisions between Route Optimization or Route Optimization plus Time Windows, there are several key business questions to answer:
First, decide on your priorities:
- Route Optimization Is Your Main Priority: Are you most interested in reducing your fleet operating costs, i.e., lowering your fuel spend and reducing overtime labor costs?
If yes, then your focus should be on obtaining affordable Route Optimization software.
- Guaranteed Arrival Times Are Your Main Priority: Do you need to guarantee arrival times for pick-ups, deliveries, or service calls?
If yes, then your focus should be on obtaining Route Optimization Technology with the addition of Time Windows technology.
Route Optimization Vs. Time Windows: What’s The Difference?
With Route Optimization Software tools like RouteSavvy, fleet managers input the addresses of the pick-ups, deliveries, or service calls, and RouteSavvy will generate the most efficient route. This results in reduced miles driven, reduced fuel costs, reduced overtime labor, less wear-and-tear on vehicles, a reduced carbon footprint for the organization, and more.
With Time Windows technology, a route is optimized in order to provide specific arrival times for pickups, deliveries, or service calls. With Time Windows, the optimization priority is a guaranteed arrival time. So efficient routing is sacrificed in favor of specific arrival times.
This is why it’s critically important for fleet managers to thoughtfully evaluate their priorities, both from a technical and a business perspective. If operational savings and productivity improvements are the goal, then Route Optimization technology is the best choice.
If the business and customer expectations mandate guaranteed arrival times within a certain “window” of time, then the savings on fuel spend and overtime labor, plus improvements in productivity will be diminished.
The Pros & Cons of Time Windows: Time Windows Functionality Can Make Routes LESS Efficient
When you shift the priority from efficient routing to arriving within a specific window of time, this can make a route less efficient.
RouteSavvy Route Optimization Technology offers Time Windows functionality for those who really need it, and we offer advice on how to configure time windows specifications to minimize a loss of routing efficiency and the benefits that come with that.
Did You Know: The narrower the window of time for guaranteed arrival, the more the efficiency of the route will be compromised.
Route Optimization Time Windows functionality is offered in a multitude of route optimization solutions, including RouteSavvy. However, the problem is that many fleet managers do not understand that you have to make a business decision between routing efficiency or arrival time efficiency. You cannot have both.
Need a powerful, affordable route optimization solution – with or without Time Windows functionality? Give RouteSavvy a test drive with our Free, 14-day Trial.
