Feature Review 2024

We have rolled out so many new and exciting features this year based on your feedback and requests. If you missed any of the highlights, here’s a quick roundup of the key updates that have made your experience smoother and more efficient.

Features Added in 2024

Recurring Routes (Weekly Planning)

We’re thrilled to introduce one of our most highly requested features: Recurring Routes! With this update, you can now set your routes to repeat automatically, streamlining your weekly planning process like never before.

How It Works:

After creating a route, simply set it to recur at a frequency that fits your schedule, such as weekly, bi-weekly, or on a custom timeline. This ensures your routine deliveries are planned well in advance with minimal effort.

Flexible Customization:

Need to make changes? No problem. You can bulk-edit recurring routes or adjust them individually to adapt to shifting schedules, holidays, or other specific needs.

Why It Matters:

This feature is a game-changer for teams managing frequent or predictable deliveries. By automating repetitive tasks, it saves valuable time, reduces manual planning errors, and keeps your operations running smoothly.

We’re excited to deliver a tool that simplifies route management while giving you the flexibility to handle evolving priorities.

Learn more →

Consolidated Orders

We introduced a highly requested feature update: the ability to combine multiple orders headed to the same destination into one stop. This reduces unnecessary delays and optimizes delivery efficiency.

How to Enable:

• Go to Settings.
• Scroll to Merge Orders into Single Stop.
• Toggle it on.

From that point on, any orders sharing the same destination will be automatically grouped into a single stop.

Self-Serve Webhooks and API

Webhooks: Setting up webhooks in SmartRoutes is now faster and easier. Head to the Integrations section in Settings, choose Webhooks, and complete a short form. You’ll then receive real-time updates for events such as:

• Changes to order statuses (e.g., delivery completed)
• Plans being created
• Plans being dispatched
• Edited routes

API: You can now generate your own API key directly within SmartRoutes to integrate it seamlessly with your existing systems. Simply:

• Go to Integrations.
• Select SmartRoutes Open API.
• Click on Generate API Key.

These self-service tools empower you to streamline your workflow and ensure you stay updated without manual effort.

New Reporting & Analytics Dashboard

Our new and improved reporting dashboard gives you a clear, high-level view of key performance data. Features include:

• Stop Completion: Monitor completed, pending, and failed stops.
• Planned vs. Actual Distance: Compare projected routes with actual distances driven.
• Capacity Usage: Evaluate vehicle load utilization.
• Shift Usage: Gain insights into driver productivity and time efficiency.

Data filters allow you to analyze performance by specific dates, date ranges, or individual drivers for a more granular look at results. 

Learn more →

Tracking Portal - New Settings

Our updated Tracking Portal allows you to tailor the information displayed on live tracking links, creating a more personalized experience for your customers.

Customizable Options:

• Live ETA: Show a real-time estimated arrival time based on the driver’s progress.
• Driver Contact: Share the driver’s phone number for direct communication.
• Queue Details: Display the number of deliveries ahead in the queue.
• Proof of Delivery: Include photos and eSignatures captured at delivery.
• Customer Notes: Allow customers to add special delivery instructions.
• Helpdesk Info: Provide contact details for customer support, such as phone numbers and email addresses.
• Link Expiry: Define how long the tracking link stays active to allow time for customers to review their delivery.

Preview and Save:

Once customized, you can preview your settings and save changes to apply them instantly. You can revisit the settings page anytime to make updates.

Default Tracking Details:

By default, tracking links include:

• Customer name and address
• Delivery due date
• Order details (reference number, status updates)
• Driver’s name

This feature gives you full control over how customers interact with delivery updates, enhancing transparency and communication.

Driver Permissions - Push Notifications

No more manual app checks for route assignments! With our latest update, drivers can now receive push notifications when:

• A new route is assigned.
• An existing route has been modified.

This optional feature can be activated in the Settings menu, giving you full control over notification preferences.

How to Enable Driver Push Notifications:

• Open the SmartRoutes App.
• Go to Settings.
• Navigate to Driver App > Driver Permissions.
• Toggle on the desired notification settings.

Improved Timeline

Our live dashboard now features a Show Stop Details toggle, providing comprehensive stop information directly on the timeline. Key details like customer names, addresses, planned stop order, and estimated arrival times are now accessible at a glance.

Making adjustments to routes has never been more intuitive or efficient.

Conclusion

If you have questions or need assistance getting started with any of these features, our support centre is here to help. To stay up to date with all the latest updates, don’t forget to check our What's New page regularly!

If you enjoyed this blog, you might also be interested in: