Using a scheduling system offers numerous advantages over just going directly to customers. Here’s how:
- Optimized Appointments: The office can set up appointments using AI Smart Routing tools to optimize routes, reducing travel times and fuel costs. This efficiency often allows drivers to see 1 or 2 (or more) additional customers per day.
- Clear Visibility: Appointments show up on the calendar as assigned visits, ensuring everyone knows where they should be. The route can be viewed on a map, so the office knows the driver’s planned path.
- Driver Assistance: On Android devices, there is a Route Map button that lets drivers see their route for the day on Google Maps. Calendar colors change to indicate if the route is being followed properly.
- Rescheduling Made Easy: If appointments aren’t marked as completed (green) by the end of the day, they can be optimally rescheduled for another day or reassigned to a different route.
Customer List Feature
On the Android device, drivers might have access to a customer list (if enabled by the office). This list includes customers assigned to the route, and it might not be a complete list unless specifically defined for the device.
- Flexibility: Drivers can select customers directly from the list, in addition to using the schedule. This is particularly useful for off-hour calls when the business doesn’t have overnight or weekend call services to load appointments into Trakker. It allows the tech/rep to service customers directly from the list
Self-Managed Routes
Some businesses allow their techs/reps to manage their own routes, giving them the freedom to go wherever they want. However, this approach lacks the efficiencies and accountability that scheduling offers.