Top 7 Features to Look for in a Route Planning System (And Why RouteMate Has Them All)
Not all route planning systems are created equal. Some are little more than glorified maps, while others offer truly intelligent optimisation that transforms how your field service team operates.
Whether you're managing technicians, deliveries, or inspections, choosing the right platform can be the difference between chaos and control.
In this article, we break down the top 7 must-have features in a route planning system—and show how RouteMate Plus includes every one of them.
---
1. Real-Time Traffic Integration
A great route planning system doesn't just calculate the shortest distance—it considers real-world traffic conditions to avoid delays.
What to Look For:
- Live traffic updates
- Automatic re-routing around congestion
- Time-based travel predictions
Why RouteMate Delivers:
RouteMate Plus integrates with real-time traffic APIs to ensure your team avoids bottlenecks and stays on schedule.
---
2. Intelligent Job Scheduling
The best systems don't just optimise routes—they optimise job sequences based on urgency, duration, and technician availability.
What to Look For:
- Smart job assignment
- Time window matching
- Skill-based dispatching
Why RouteMate Delivers:
RouteMate uses intelligent logic to assign jobs efficiently, ensuring the right person is at the right place at the right time.
---
3. Drag-and-Drop Visual Planning
Being able to see and manipulate routes on a map makes planning intuitive and flexible.
What to Look For:
- Interactive map interface
- Route editing with drag-and-drop tools
- Day/week planner views
Why RouteMate Delivers:
Our visual planner allows dispatchers to quickly adjust routes, add jobs, and visualise workload across the team.
---
4. Mobile App for Field Teams
Your planning system should support real-time communication with field staff via a dedicated mobile app.
What to Look For:
- Instant job updates
- Route navigation
- Mobile job notes and checklists
Why RouteMate Delivers:
The RouteMate mobile app keeps your team in sync with live updates, navigation, and job detail access on the go.
---
5. Performance Analytics and Reporting
To improve, you need to measure. A strong platform provides performance metrics on everything from travel time to job completion rates.
What to Look For:
- Job completion KPIs
- Technician performance stats
- Route efficiency analytics
Why RouteMate Delivers:
Get dashboards that track performance in real-time and export custom reports for decision-making.
---
6. Customisable Route Rules
Different industries have different needs—whether it's avoiding tolls or prioritising VIP clients.
What to Look For:
- Adjustable routing preferences
- Time windows and location priorities
- Support for vehicle restrictions
Why RouteMate Delivers:
Set custom parameters for each route and apply rules to meet unique operational goals.
---
7. Seamless Integration with Other Tools
A route planning system should connect with your broader tech stack—whether it's your CRM, ERP, or job management platform.
What to Look For:
- API availability
- Integration with CRMs, invoicing, job tracking
- Export and import flexibility
Why RouteMate Delivers:
RouteMate integrates with a range of platforms and offers API access for seamless data flow across your systems.
---
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing a route planning system, these seven features should be non-negotiable. RouteMate Plus combines them all in one easy-to-use platform—empowering your field team, saving you time and money, and improving customer outcomes.
Ready to experience the all-in-one route planning solution?
Contact us to try RouteMate Plus and optimise your operations today.