Knowing the difference between static and dynamic route planning is key to getting the most out of your delivery drivers.

But what should you go with? Static or dynamic?

What are the pros and cons of dynamic and static routing, and what would suit my business best?

Keeping reading to find out!

What is dynamic route planning?

Dynamic route planning, also referred to as adaptive routing, enables fleet managers to include last minute adjustments with already scheduled bookings so they can reroute dynamically to a customer’s preferred destination.

Dynamic routing is a highly effective and useful tool that allows businesses to successfully carry out last-mile jobs such as food deliveries, services, e-commerce deliveries etc.

One of the biggest advantages of this method of route planning is the ability to adapt and add in last minute changes without disrupting your schedule for the day. Adaptability and scalability are essential when it comes to growing your business.

Pros and cons of dynamic routing

Pros

Saves time: Dynamic routing places drivers on the most efficient route possible so they can complete deliveries faster. More deliveries means more revenue for your business!

Reduce fuel consumption: A dynamic route reduces the time spent driving between each stop so that drivers are using less fuel along the journey. In doing so, cutting down fuel costs so your business can save money.

Reduces delivery disruptions: The unexpected needs to be expected while your drivers are on the road. Car accidents, closed roads, traffic congestion and other obstacles can be easily avoided by using dynamic route planning.

Accurate ETAs: Dynamic route planning technology creates optimized routes by using real-time information. No more long time windows! This software gives customers accurate ETAs of their order so they can anticipate its arrival.

Handles priority orders: Let’s say you receive a priority booking right before your driver leaves, dynamic routing can quickly pop in that stop without messing up the day’s schedule.

Cons

Difficult to do manually: If you’re not particularly fond of using technology then a dynamic routing app might not be your best bet. However, quality customer support is the best way to become properly acquainted with the software.

Costly: Free route planning software’s are useful for businesses with only a few stops per day. However, businesses completing over 20 stops requires a more reliable solution. Unfortunately dynamic routing software’s are on the more expensive side.

Can’t pack vehicle until new delivery routes are built: Creating dynamic routes means you’ll have to wait a bit prior to loading your vehicle until the updated schedule is ready.

dynamic routing

What is static route planning?

Static routing planning is the process of carrying out deliveries using pre-fixed routes with an inability to make last minute changes. Given each route is also pre-determined by fleet managers, static routing needs requires less calculation time in contrast to dynamic routing.

This leaves no room for alterations, meaning you must manually re-build routes so you can adapt to new changes within your delivery schedule.

Despite being known as typically non-adaptive, static routes can be modified by a network administrator who will change them manually.

Whilst this might sound restrictive, static route planning is great for smaller businesses that have specific delivery patterns and are less likely to experience any last minute changes.

Pros and cons of static routing

Pros

Can be done manually: With static routing, you don’t need technical software’s or computers. You can simply create it yourself. You can write up a static route based on a list of regular stops with only pen and paper!

More affordable: Static routing doesn’t need much bandwidth and computing power and can be done manually so you don’t have to spend any money.

Can pack delivery vehicle: Because you already have a set schedule with the same stops, you can pack your delivery vehicle ahead of time.

Cons

Difficult to add in last minute changes: Last minute changes made to the delivery schedule can be difficult to manage when using a static route. This is why dynamic routing is preferable when handling certain delivery requests.

Unreliable ETAs and large time frames: Because static routing doesn’t take into account traffic conditions and other obstacles that can delay the delivery, customers can expect inaccurate ETAs and large time windows.

static route

What is the difference between static and dynamic route planning?

Static route planning requires you to manually update static routes so you can adapt to any last minute alterations throughout the day. Consequently, dynamic routing requires dynamic routing algorithms to automatically update your schedule with the newly assigned booking.

Static routing possesses a smaller routing table whereas dynamic route planning enables routers to submit their routing tables to pin point availabilities. Static routing also only allows one entry per destination.

Unlike static routing, dynamic uses more complex routing algorithms, like vector protocols, to make route changes.

Another difference between static and dynamic routing is bandwidth usage and computation. Given static already has a pre-determined route it requires less bandwidth and compute power. On the other hand, dynamic routing needs more bandwidth and computation to create several route probabilities.

routing management software

Plan your delivery routes with Locate2u

From complex algorithms to dynamic routing protocols, deciding which routing option to go with all depends on the requirements of your business.

Locate2u is a fleet management software that automates your entire delivery process, especially when it comes to optimizing routes for your drivers.

Visit our website to learn more about how Locate2u can save you hours each day with route optimization.

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