Every extra kilometer is fuel, time and wear that doesn't bill. In distribution, the difference between a profitable operation and one bleeding costs usually comes down to how routes are built and controlled.
The problem with planning routes "by hand"
Planning routes on a spreadsheet or "the way we always do it" ignores variables that change every day: demand, each vehicle's real capacity, traffic, delivery windows and the distance between customers. The result: more vehicles than needed, more kilometers and late deliveries.
What a TMS does
A TMS (Transportation Management System) manages the transport operation from purchase to delivery. Its key pieces:
- Dynamic routes: builds optimal trips based on customers, fleet capacity (weight, volume, stops), goods type and costs.
- AI + Google optimization: solves the visit order and vehicle assignment to use fewer units and fewer kilometers.
- Delivery tracking: a mobile app that guides the driver, captures evidence (signature and photos) and works offline.
- Last-mile tracking: the customer gets notifications and a screen to follow their order.
- Settlement: end-of-day closing with deliveries, collections and returning inventory.
The impact in numbers
Good route optimization goes straight at the cost per delivery: fewer kilometers, better fleet usage, less fuel and shorter delivery times. And traceability reduces complaints and improves loyalty.
The last mile is where the customer actually feels your service. That's where repeat business is won or lost.
Óptimo TMS
Óptimo TMS by New Soft Ideas optimizes routes with capacitated VRP + Google, offers a live map (GPS tracking), an offline-first mobile app and native integration with the WMS. Want to see how much you could save? Book a demo.