Route or Scheduling software

[Turf Tech]

Is there an inexpensive routing and scheduling software that will set up schedule and routes using GPS location to reducing driving times? I am sure there is something available but havent seen anyone talk about it on here.

[Runner]

Actually, this is a crossroads that I find MY self at - at this time, also. There have been several threads and conversations about these in the past. The problem with them, is that they are all so ridiculously priced. Q-Express and Real Green seem to be the two top runners in this category. be careful and do alot of research, though. there have been many on here who spent a whole lot on the real green systems and were greatly disappointed...both in the support, and the fact that much of there other stuff (like their forms) is proprietary, meaning you have to get directly from them. I just cannot justify spending $6000 plus for a program like this, then having to spend an additional couple of hundred dollars a month (or however much it is) to keep up with the "updates". Right now, I am just winging it by doing alot of homework on my routing. I am told that alot of the new Garmin and TomTom type devices are able to hold several addresses, and ca be programmed ahead of time. If we can do this in different "cells", that would be cool. One big difference would be though, is the inability for the program to automatically put an address into a separate cell most logistically feasible in the event that one cell becomes too full - based on the desired amount of stops per each cell.

[Turf Tech]

Thanks Joe. I dont want to spend that much on software either. I guess I will just have to keep on doing it the old fashion way. It just adds hours to every week that I could spend on spraying.

[rcreech]

Runner,

You are right!

The GPS units can handle up to 3000 address's and they route them for you.

I have a Garmin and it does a great job.

Only thing I don't like is....there are some address's/street's it can't find.

That ticks me off!

But it works great over 95% of the time.

[RigglePLC]

Turf-tech,
go to Yahoo maps or Googlemaps or something similar. Put in a few of your customer addresses and see how you like it and if it routes you correctly. Yahoo allows for several stops on your trip, click "add another destination". But as far as I know, it will not try to guess the best order to reduce the trip time--but only go to them in the order you added them. Take a look at Microsoft Routes and trips. And also various in car map/GPS systems.

[fl-landscapes]

Runner,

You are right!

The GPS units can handle up to 3000 address's and they route them for you.

I have a Garmin and it does a great job.

Only thing I don't like is....there are some address's/street's it can't find.

That ticks me off!

But it works great over 95% of the time.


Hey Rc I got a garmin too. Just got an email from them saying I have to download an updated map. Maybe you have to do the same? And get some of those phantom streets. Hope all is well.

[GreenAcresFertCo.]

Microsoft Streets and Trips.....you can put in all of your addresses for the day and then optimize the stops and it routes them. You can find older versions on amazon for cheap.

[Rayholio]

Its worth mentioning that the REAL GREEN software directs you to locations based on coordinates.. not street names, so you can always find your house..

and for the extra $$ you also get some great marketing features with RG..

They're not all sunshine and lollypops.. but it is the best available for now..

[humble1]

Groundskeeper is good for a small company, I like the scheduling ability.

[ant]

www. Billmasternow. Com
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[Heidi J.]

When I had the introduction for Real Green, I was astonished at how much paper waste there was. They print off an pre-printed invoice, and if the guy doesn't get to it, you rip it up and reprint.. Kinda seems like a waste to me.

I have Service Solution software, and I use Map-point. It pulls my addresses from my data base by zip code and routes them for me. The first round is a lot of work, but after that, you save the map and just add in the new sales. Map point runs about $200.00

[Josh.S]

[QUOTE=Heidi J.;3056699]When I had the introduction for Real Green, I was astonished at how much paper waste there was. They print off an pre-printed invoice, and if the guy doesn't get to it, you rip it up and reprint.. Kinda seems like a waste to me.
[QUOTE]

I know what you are saying, but it does not have to be done this way. You can always just lay that sheet where it would belong in the next days route, your just going to have to do it manually and not have turn-by-turn between those couple stops. That is what I do if I can get to it soon, otherwise it is best to pitch and re-route later when back in that area.

[Turf Tech]

Thanks for all the responses. I will research them and see which will best fit my budget and needs.