Route planner software has come a long way in a short time, especially as artificial intelligence (AI) has boomed. So while many construction companies are onboarding and learning new route-planning software systems, new AI functionality is already rendering most tools outdated. Here’s why AI functionality is crucial for keeping up with construction distribution demands, and how to keep up with Curri. 

What’s an AI-powered route planner?

An AI-powered route planner is a sophisticated delivery logistics software that uses AI and machine learning to determine the most efficient paths for delivery drivers. It analyzes live data like weather conditions, traffic, road closures, and delivery type, going beyond a simple distance calculation. 

AI route planners adjust routes on demand as needed when conditions change. This means bookers can plan more, faster, and rest assured that they’re reducing travel times, lowering fuel costs and consumption, and are more reliable for their clients. 

Why AI efficiency beats out conventional route planning software

To put it simply, it’s all about the live adaptability. An AI route planner will continuously learn, adapt, and optimize routes in real time based on live conditions. Traditional software systems will more often rely on static maps, manual scheduling, and preset routes. If you want the route planner that adjusts in real time by factoring live traffic, vehicle capacities, delivery windows, and changing job conditions, you’ll need a tool that uses AI.

The top 5 benefits of using an AI-powered route planner

1. Adaptability

If last-minute challenges or changes arise, such as job-site delays or emergency orders, AI software systems can automatically reoptimize. Routes and schedules are reoriented without interrupting stakeholders or workflows, and deliveries stay on track without manual intervention. 

2. Faster, more efficient routing

AI software can also calculate the most efficient delivery routes the first time, every time. It will factor in delivery windows and changes, traffic, site accessibility, and more. This will save distributors time and fuel when compared to static or manual route planning. 

3. Resource and cost optimization

Because AI is so efficient with live data, it reduces miles driven, idle time, and underutilized vehicles. AI route planners, then, dramatically cut operational costs and improve internal fleet efficiency. This frees up labor resources from your internal team, so they can better focus on big-picture tasks. 

4. Visibility for all

AI software provides live tracking and more accurate ETAs, both of which are visible to the distributor and receiver. This allows all stakeholders, including drivers, bookers, dispatchers, sales teams, and customers to stay aligned. The transparency reduces missed deliveries and idle time, and improves trust (and retention!) with clients long term. 

5. Data-driven insights

Over time, AI route planners will learn from historical delivery patterns and site data to identify driver performance trends, route inefficiencies, and opportunities to optimize your route planning further. This historical data is auto-logged and used to keep every planned trip as streamlined as possible.

Not ready to leave the spreadsheet method? Let’s break down the benefits of Curri’s route planner

If your team isn’t quite ready to leave the spreadsheet or, worse, the pen-and-paper route planning method, we promise modern software solutions like Curri are well worth it. Some businesses still hold onto a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset when it comes to processes, but that leaves many distributors behind the competition in terms of reliability and efficiency. 

Those who use Curri’s route planner can take advantage of three easy-to-use methods of logistics planning, including:

• Drag-and-drop: Bookers can drag orders from their queue right onto their driver’s route. 
• Lasso tool: Bookers draw a looping zone on the map, circling all dropoff points and assigning them to a Curri driver. 
• Auto-assign: This AI-powered feature uses advanced logic to build the most complex delivery routes automatically. Auto-assign also runs scenarios to minimize the number of vehicles needed, helping bookers optimize their fleet size and save money. 

The route planner also has a handy calendar view, where users can trade static clipboards for a live calendar. Bookers can shift orders to fill downtime gaps, give customers accurate timelines at a glance, and see exactly when every delivery lands. It’s instant visibility for those who need it. 

And hey, we get it. Maybe you don’t have time to train your whole team on a fancy new software. But Curri is known for being easy to use, with a clear, intuitive interface. Here’s how Curri’s route planner compares to the manual method.

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In addition to top-of-the-line route planning software, Curri also provides bookers with live tracking links, photo and signature proof of delivery, intelligent matching for the right vehicle size for the delivery, and more. And whether you’re looking for dedicated route service, FTLs, LTLs, hotshot bookings, or even parcel service, we’ve got you covered. 

Try Curri today

When you think about optimizing your supply chain tool stack, don’t discount AI as a must-have feature. Curri is a unified logistics platform that uses AI to make your delivery planning efficient every time. Getting started is as simple as signing up and making your first booking, and users get access to a nationwide network of drivers, so city or state lines are never a problem. 

‍Book a demo with the Curri team today to learn more and supercharge your route planning logistics in no time.