Route Optimization for Door Knocking?

[MisterRandyWatson]

I've been door knocking off data lists two to three days a week. I've been using routexl.com as a passable freebie. A few inadequacies I've run across though: 1.) only 21 stops can be entered in (woefully too few when working 8-12 hours); 2.) not a way to enter route into GPS automatically; 3.) no real time re-optimization after I mark people off the list; 4.) no way to add database data directly into software.

I feel like my needs are probably greater than what a free app can provide, but I certainly don't need UPS-quality stuff.

Any suggestions?

 

[RonRoberts]

I've been door knocking off data lists two to three days a week. I've been using routexl.com as a passable freebie. A few inadequacies I've run across though: 1.) only 21 stops can be entered in (woefully too few when working 8-12 hours); 2.) not a way to enter route into GPS automatically; 3.) no real time re-optimization after I mark people off the list; 4.) no way to add database data directly into software.

I feel like my needs are probably greater than what a free app can provide, but I certainly don't need UPS-quality stuff.

Any suggestions?

Are you using one of the Garmin nuvi's with route optimization?

I am with you. Manually entering data into the GPS then editing is time consuming but I have found nothing else.

 

[0b1kanobee]

There is also this site. Maybe you have to double-up and use both sites to get more routes? Seems like there must be a better way though.

Find The Best Route Between Multiple Addresses | Route Optimization Using Google Maps

 

[Jerard]

There is also this site. Maybe you have to double-up and use both sites to get more routes? Seems like there must be a better way though.

Find The Best Route Between Multiple Addresses | Route Optimization Using Google Maps

This is really cool. Thanks for sharing this.

 

[MisterRandyWatson]

Are you using one of the Garmin nuvi's with route optimization?

I am with you. Manually entering data into the GPS then editing is time consuming but I have found nothing else.

I do have a Garmin Nuvi, but my data entry is pretty low tech. I determine the zip code(s) I will be working for the day, and then I sort my Excel spreadsheet by those zips. I then manually enter 21 addresses one-by-one into routexl, which takes a while. I then print out the optimized route, and enter those into my GPS between houses.

It works, but there's got to be a better way.

 

[RonRoberts]

There is also this site. Maybe you have to double-up and use both sites to get more routes? Seems like there must be a better way though.

Find The Best Route Between Multiple Addresses | Route Optimization Using Google Maps

This works well, and is about the most accurate online tool I have found. The only problem that I have had when using any online map for route optimization is that depending upon how many door knocks I get to I have to work may way back through them so I still have to input in to my GPS.

 

[Jerard]

There is an option to upload it to Google maps. Great if you have an Android phone, it will sync the route in a few minutes (if you have sync turned on the phone).

 

[MisterRandyWatson]

This works well, and is about the most accurate online tool I have found. The only problem that I have had when using any online map for route optimization is that depending upon how many door knocks I get to I have to work may way back through them so I still have to input in to my GPS.

Indeed this.

Obviously in a perfect world, go through your optimized route once, then get to the end, and go in reverse.

But it doesn't work that way. People are marked off the list throughout the day. Your optimized list is anything but after one pass through.

This is one of my biggest needs. I'm quite sure professional fleet management routing software re-optimizes instantly in real time, but I don't know of a product that is good for a dude like myself.

 

[routexl]

RouteXL allows you to save a route by its URL that's given after optimization. On the road you can load the route via this URL on your mobile phone or tablet, add/remove stops and reoptimize.

You can also import destinations from Excel using the Import button, and save a route for your GPS using the Download button.

Btw indeed, I am the developer/owner of RouteXL...

 

[MisterRandyWatson]

RouteXL allows you to save a route by its URL that's given after optimization. On the road you can load the route via this URL on your mobile phone or tablet, add/remove stops and reoptimize.

You can also import destinations from Excel using the Import button, and save a route for your GPS using the Download button.

Btw indeed, I am the developer/owner of RouteXL...

Well speak of the devil...