Route Optimizer for On-Site Days
For days where several on-site client visits are needed, I wanted to find a good way to optimize a planned route, when priorities are flexible, to increase driving time and efficiency.
While this technique may not be optimal for every instance, I have found it to streamline my on-site days, allowing me to complete more tasks in a more timely manner.
Step 1: Instal the Routific Chrome Extension
This extension utilizes Google Maps, and is free for up to 10 stops in a route. Over 10 stops requires a licensed version of this solution, but I have rarely needed more than 10 stops in a day for my on-site days, so this has been sufficient and effective.
Step 2: Enter all your destinations into Google Maps
Open Google Maps, select the directions icon from the search box in the upper left corner.
I start by entering the starting point as the 501tech office. If you are starting from home or another location, just enter that info. Next, enter each of your destination addresses. It doesn’t matter what order you enter them, as the optimizer plugin will use this data to optimize your route and reorganize for you.
Once all of your sites have been entered. Simply click on the Routific icon in the Chrome extensions toolbar. I usually select “The route must start at the first address”, which is typically the 501tech office.
Then click the “Optimize X Stops” button once it appears. It can sometimes take a minute, as the button may be grayed-out while the system reviews the addresses you have entered. Occasionally I’ve found it to take a couple of minutes, and have closed and re-opened the app and sped things up a bit.
The Routific app will calculate an improved route, and open it up in a new tab for you. If this looks good, then I select the “Copy link” option, and send either a text or an email to myself so that I can retrieve the route from my mobile device.
I hope this helps improve your on-site route efficiency. Enjoy!