Now that the routes have been activated, they are available to be executed by the drivers. As the routes are being run in real time, the dispatcher will need to monitor the performance of the drivers and solve any issues that may arise. During this phase, the dispatcher will need to ensure the following:
Routes or associated cells are not marked in red due to vehicles being over capacity or assigned to the incorrect route.
Stops are being serviced on time.
All stops are tracked with a realistic service time.
Drivers are on schedule (i.e., routes starting on time, drive times are as expected).
Drivers are completing their routes.
The following features of Descartes Route Planner On-demand will be covered in this section:
Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL).
Map View page.
The Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) View Deliveries page displays routes individually in a Gantt chart, giving a robust visual of the time for each route. The Map View page displays the routes on a map, giving a robust visual of locations and distance traveled for each route. In addition, the dispatcher can display the driver’s progress as a breadcrumb trail within the Map View page.
Navigating the Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL)
Once routes have been built and drivers are collecting information in the field, the AVL component allows dispatchers to track the drivers in real-time.
Viewing Deliveries
To access the AVL:
From the main menu, select Deliveries > View Deliveries. The View Deliveries page displays the progress of routes and stops in real time for a tracking number or delivery date. This page visually flags any issues on routes and holistically displays the progress of the day. The route details can be viewed by clicking the route name. The following screen capture provides a view of deliveries before they have started to be executed by drivers:
The notepad icon displays the dispatch preferences selected if applicable and/or selected.
The building icon allows you to hide/show the DC (depot) stops.
The truck icon allows you to toggle the view to hide/show the completed routes.
The first color status bar (route status bar), before the route name, indicates the status of the overall route with respect to time. This color is usually green for pre-delivery routes, indicating that the route is scheduled to be on time.
The delivery route name is in blue after the route status bar. The route name can be clicked to navigate to view the details of the route.
The name after the route name is the vehicle assigned to the route.
The name after the vehicle key is the driver assigned to the route.
After the driver's name, the status of the route is displayed, which shows the number of stops on the route and its current state.
The outline is color-coded based on the color of the route key defined on the configuration page.
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The second status bar (stops status bar) displays the delivery stops status:
The time displayed at the beginning is the launch time (when the vehicle leaves the depot for delivery).
The time displayed at the end is the finish time (when the vehicle arrives at the depot after delivery).
The building icon represents the depot (start, end and/or mid-route).
Each stop is displayed in sequence and numbered. Hovering the mouse over the bars displays stop information such as customer name, address and ETA.
The space between the numbered stops is the planned drive time of the vehicle.
If the stop is planned outside a time window, a red clock icon will appear above the numbered stop:
The following screen capture provides a view of deliveries as they are in the process of being executed by a driver:
As seen above, once the trucks have launched on the day of delivery, the route status is automatically updated in real time to reflect driver input.
Click the route name to display the details of the route.
The route status bar before the delivery route name indicates the status of the overall route:
Bright red bar: The delivery route is behind schedule.
Bright green bar: The delivery route is on schedule.
The truck icon indicates where the driver is on the route for active deliveries. Hover the mouse over the truck icon to view the current location and status of the driver.
Each rectangle-looking image represents a stop on the route. A solid rectangle indicates that the stop is complete, and the outlined rectangles are stops yet to be serviced. Hover the mouse over the colored rectangles to display stop level information: customer’s name, address and ETA.
A clock displayed over a stop indicates that it is being serviced or planned to be serviced outside the stop's assigned time window. If the clock is red, the stop is serviced late, and if the clock is yellow, the stop is serviced early.
The time displayed at the beginning of the stop’s status bar is the actual Launch Time (i.e. when the vehicle leaves the depot for delivery). This time is used to calculate the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for each stop.
Click the route name to display the Dispatch page for the selected route.
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Note the three sets of arrival times:
Plan ETA column in brackets: what was scheduled the night before by the planner
Plan ETA column left outside of brackets: rolling (updated) ETAs based on driver position
Arrived column: actual time the driver indicated arrival at the stop
Note the service times:
In brackets: what was planned
Left outside of brackets: actual service time
Monitoring with the Map View page
While Map View is in Track mode, it plots the GPS breadcrumb of the driver’s current route and shows his current position with a truck icon. The standard Map View refresh rate is configured at 30 seconds.
While in Track mode, users can apply the following right-click options to a route on the map:
Follow this Driver: This feature keeps the specified driver centered on the map as new GPS points and status-related information are received. To return to the default view, right-click on the selected route and choose the option to Stop Following This Driver.
Show Field Data: Shows any information or feedback from the driver for the route.
Show Turn By Turn: Show the planned path along the road (not straight-line representation). Select Show Straight Line from the context menu to view the default straight line view.
Show Routes Summary: Displays a footer in the Routes pane to show totals for each displayed column.
While in Track mode, users can apply the following right-click options to a stop on the map:
Show Field Data: Shows any information or feedback from the driver at the stop (e.g., a signature).
Open In External Map: Displays the stop in a new tab using external mapping data, if applicable and enabled.
In previous sections of this guide, the Map View Dispatch mode was used to plan, analyze and finalize the routes. The dispatch mode can also be used when the routes are being run in real-time.
Note: Any changes made while in dispatch mode on the day of service will trigger a real-time update to the mobile device used by the driver.
Applying a Speed Factor
A speed factor can be applied in situations such as inclement weather that would affect drive time and calculations of the estimated time of arrival and departure of the routes. A speed factor less than 100% would decrease the speeds used to calculate time on the route(s), while a speed factor greater than 100% would increase the speeds accordingly.
Note: Please use caution when adjusting the speed factor, as it may cause routes to be calculated using speeds greater than those permitted by local driving laws and regulations.
To set the speed factor for all routes:
From the Map View, right-click on the map.
From the right-click menu, select the Change Speed Factor option.
Enter the Speed Factor (%).
Click Save to execute and apply, and click Cancel not to perform any action.
To set the speed factor for the selected route(s):
Right-click on a selected route from the Routes pane on the Map View page. Use the Ctrl key to select multiple routes if more than one route needs the speed factor adjusted, and right-click on the selected routes.
From the right-click menu, select the Change Speed Factor.
Enter the Speed Factor (%).
Click Save to execute and apply.
Note: If, within a delivery day, the factor needs to be removed, the user must set the factor back to 100 from the Change Speed Factor window.
To view the speed factor setting:
From the Routes pane, right-click on the column header section.
Click Choose columns.
Select the Speed Factor from the Available Columns list. Drag and drop the Speed Factor to the desired location on the Current Columns list.
Click Save.
Viewing Route and Stop Information
The dispatcher may want to view the details of a route and the stops, including any mobile field data such as arrival and service time and if there are any exceptions. In addition, the dispatcher may want to see the status of the route and the stops on the route.
To view status information of routes and/or stops:
On the Map View page in Dispatch mode, click the > symbol.
The information within the parenthesis () displays the planned data based on the routing, and the information outside to the left of the parenthesis displays the actual data as the route is being executed. Notice the columns highlighted in red. These stops violate a rule set for the stops on the route.
To view information about a specific stop:
Click on the desired stop from the map.
From the Shipments pane, click the generated SELECTED STOPS tab.
Editing Timecards
A driver’s timecard can be manually entered and/or edited in case of an error. If the driver has already arrived and departed at the starting or ending stop, the Start time and End times may already be set.
To edit a timecard:
Right-click on the desired route under the Routes pane.
From the right-click menu, select Edit Route > Edit Timecard.
Click the calendar control icon of the event time to modify it.
Select the date and time.
Click Proceed.
Editing Time
A driver’s arrival and departure time can be manually entered and/or edited in case of an error. If the driver has already arrived and departed at the starting or ending depot stop or any customer stop, the times may already be set.
To edit the time for a stop:
Click ">" next to the desired route from the Routes pane to display the stop details.
Right-click on the desired stop and select Edit Stop > Edit Time.
Click Enter Arrival Time.
Enter the necessary arrival and service times for the stop.
Click Save.
Note: If the driver’s time is delayed by the mobile device and comes in after the manually set time, the data from the mobile device will override the manually set times and populate the associated fields accordingly.
Editing Mileage
The dispatcher may want to keep track of the mileage for each route for maintenance purposes.
To edit the mileage for a route:
Right-click on the desired route under the Routes pane.
From the right-click menu, select Edit Route > Edit Mileage.
Enter the Start or Ending Mileage values.
Click the Save Mileage.
Viewing Field Data
As drivers execute routes, they may capture field data, such as signatures and images of damaged goods. This data is transmitted via mobile communication to the dispatcher for review, editing, and reporting within Descartes Route Planner On-demand. Field data can be recorded at various levels, including routes, stops, shipments, and shipment items, and may include images, signatures, numbers, or text.
Using and editing field data is not available to all users and must be configured by a Descartes representative. In some cases, dispatchers may need to correct field data due to driver selection or input errors.
Users can view field data across all levels and roles (e.g., route, shipment, item) while on the Map View page in Track Mode or Dispatch Mode. The Show Field Data option is now available in all contexts, including frozen routes.
Viewing Field Data in Track and Dispatch Mode
From the Map View page, click the T button on the Map Pane.
Right-click on any data level (route, stop, shipment, or item) in the Routes, Map, or Shipments pane.
Select Show Field Data.
Field data is displayed in read-only mode. If it contains images or signatures, clicking on the data will expand it.
3rd Party Courier Support for Field Data Items
Starting in version 25.07, when a shipment is handled by a 3rd party courier (such as FleetLink), detailed status and event data for the delivery is now captured and visible directly in the Field Data Items dialog. This provides a clear audit trail for each booking and delivery, showing all key milestones with timestamps.
Example: The Field Data Items dialog for a 3rd party courier shipment displays each event, such as booking, driver en route, driver arrival, and successful delivery, with exact date and time stamps for complete visibility.
Note: For complete details on booking, sorting, tracking, and managing 3rd party courier shipments, including integration with FleetLink, status monitoring, and provider setup, see the dedicated 3rd Party Courier Integration documentation page.
Field Data Option Availability
The Show Field Data option is now included in the right-click context menu across multiple objects and modes:
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Dispatch Mode:
Route
Stop
Job
Item
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Frozen Mode:
Route
Stop
Job
Item
Modifying Field Data
At the Route Level
To modify route field data in Dispatch mode:
From the Map View page, click Dispatch on the Map Pane.
In the Routes Pane, right-click a route.
From the right-click menu, select Edit Route > Edit Field Data.
Click Close when you are finished.
At the Stop Level
To stop field data in Dispatch mode:
In the Routes Pane, click the > symbol next to a route to display stops.
Right-click a stop and select Edit Stop > Edit Field Data.
Click Close.
Note: Another way to view field data for a stop is to right-click on the stop in the Map View and select Edit Stop > Edit Field Data.
At the Shipment Level
To modify shipment field data in Dispatch mode:
In the Routes Pane, click the > symbol next to a route to display stops.
Click the > symbol next to a stop to display shipments.
Right-click a shipment and select Edit Field Data.
Click Close.
Note: Another way to view shipment field data is to click the > symbol next to a shipment in the All Shipments tab of the Shipments Pane and right-click to select Edit Field Data.
At the Shipment Item Level
To modify item field data in Dispatch mode:
In the Routes Pane, click the > symbol next to a route to display stops.
Click the > symbol next to a stop to display shipments.
Click the > symbol next to a shipment to display shipment items.
Right-click a shipment item and select Edit Field Data.
Click Close.
Note: Another way to view field data for a shipment item is to click the > symbol on a shipment in the All Shipments tab of the Shipments Pane to display the shipments. Click the + symbol next to a shipment to reveal items. Right-click an item and select Edit Field Data.
Sending Messages
As the driver executes his route, the dispatcher and the driver can communicate via text messaging on a mobile device using the mobile messaging functionality within Descartes Route Planner On-demand in conjunction with Descartes Mobile. All users are encouraged to exercise due care when using this functionality and ensure they comply with all applicable driving laws and regulations. This functionality would have to be enabled by a Descartes representative. In addition, the route must be published to the driver’s mobile device and acknowledged before any messages can actually be exchanged.
A Messages feature has been added to Map View to display and send messages to drivers for routes on selected and current (active) days. Only the current (active) messages are displayed when displaying routes for future days.
To send messages:
From the Map View page, click
. The Messages window displays messages on two individual tabs: Selected Date and Active (or Current) Date. By default, the messages from the Active Date are displayed. Only the messages for the Active Date are displayed when routes are displayed for the current or future date.
Highlight the driver from the Routes section.
Type the message in the Messages section. If a route has not yet been published to a driver, the ability to message that driver is disabled.
Click Send. To send a message to all the drivers, click Send To All.
Click Messages from the command menu bar to hide the messages.
Click Close to close the Messages window.
Swapping Shipments
Swapping a shipment allows an unrouted shipment to be exchanged with a routed one without altering the customer stop arrival times. Previously, swaps were only supported between shipments belonging to the same customer and of the same order type (pickup or delivery).
New Functionality
Starting in version 25.04, the Swap feature has been enhanced to support routed shipment swaps across different customers and across pickup, delivery, exchange, and transfer order types, including customer-to-customer transfer orders. This functionality must be enabled through configuration.
To enable this expanded swap capability, an administrator must configure two parameters in Configuration > Parameters > Dispatch: "Enable Same Customer Swap of Routed Shipments" (renamed from "Can Swap Routed Orders") and "Enable Swap of Routed Shipments" (a new parameter, default: off).
When enabled, this allows users to:
Swap routed shipments between different customers.
Swap pickup and delivery legs of transfer orders, whether created manually or via the Link feature.
Use the Swap option across both Map View – Dispatch mode and the All Shipments tab.
To swap a shipment:
From the Map View page in Dispatch mode, expand the route with the shipment you want to swap from the Routes pane.
Select the stop and expand to view its associated shipments.
Select the routed shipment you want to swap.
Select the shipment for the same customer on the Unrouted tab in the Shipments pane.
Right-click on the highlighted area to expose the context menu, and select the Swap option to exchange the shipments.
Click YES to execute the swap from the confirmation prompt or NO to cancel the swap action.
Linking and Unlinking Shipments
Linking shipments allows for a pickup shipment and a delivery shipment to be connected to create a transfer order (customer-to-customer) to move a product from customer A (pickup) to customer B (delivery). During execution, a dispatcher may identify the need to unlink the shipments, for example, if a picked-up item is damaged and must return to the depot. Unlinking allows each leg to be managed independently, with a depot stop reinserted between them.
As of release 25.04, dispatchers can also update a linked transfer shipment by replacing either the pickup or delivery leg directly, without manually unlinking or rerouting the order. This streamlined workflow reduces steps and improves efficiency. For full instructions, see Linking and Unlinking Shipments.
Note: This functionality is not available to all users and must be enabled by a Descartes representative.