Product updates
What’s new in Spoke Dispatch
Feature updates and improvements to make last mile delivery more dynamic
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Feature updates and improvements to make last mile delivery more dynamic
Managing multiple drivers in a single delivery zone can become visually confusing if it’s hard to differentiate between individual driver routes.
Dispatchers can now choose from 18 colors when color-coding individual drivers. This makes selecting contrasting route colors for drivers in the same delivery zone easier.
Once a color has been assigned to a driver, this color will persist unless the driver is paused or assigned to a new depot.
Many courier companies use barcode scanning for various steps along the last-mile delivery journey. Our latest feature allows Dispatchers to upload unassigned stops via spreadsheet or the API and include package Barcode IDs.
Now, when a Driver creates a route, they have the option to scan the barcode label attached to a package, which will automatically move that stop from the unassigned stops list onto their route.
Barcode scanning was not previously supported, and this is the first step towards building more comprehensive barcode functionality.
The complexity of delivery routes means that sometimes, certain stops need to take place before or after others for the route to be effective.
Now, Dispatchers can manually set an order for stops on a route and place them at a convenient point relative to other deliveries.
For example, it’s now possible to set a package collection stop to happen before that package’s eventual delivery stop later in the route.
It’s now possible to send recipient notifications via a mix of SMS and email.
Send important pre-delivery notifications by SMS for a higher chance of recipient awareness, and follow up with less time-sensitive post-delivery notifications via email.
Reach recipients using the most effective communication method for each stage of the delivery process.
Recipients can now also be notified when their stop is next on the driver’s route, and sending this timely reminder can increase the chances of a successful delivery
Previously, all team members were grouped and managed in the same way, with no distinction between operational and driver roles. Due to the number of drivers and the changeable nature of their role, drivers require more regular management, unlike operational roles.
Now, all drivers can be added, paused, or removed from a single Drivers page, and new profile pages make it easier to edit settings and monitor individual performance.
Driver settings and route overrides are also more accessible, and a snapshot of driver performance from the last seven days provides instant performance visibility.
With multiple clients, it can be difficult for courier companies to satisfactorily meet each client’s delivery needs. Some clients may require specific forms of POD to be collected, while others may be happy with a simple signature.
For example, a client who ships high-value items may not want delivery drivers to have the option to ‘leave the package in a safe space’ and may insist on capturing a signature and photo as POD.
It’s now possible to specify what delivery method is permitted for a stop and what type of POD needs to be collected for that method.
Formerly, drivers who used navigation while delivering had to use the Spoke driver app along with a navigation app of their choice. Using two apps simultaneously isn't easy or stress-free for the driver.
Drivers can now navigate using Google Maps within Spoke Route Planner so that they can carry out every task along their delivery route with just one app.
Until now, users had to create a route before being able to import stops, which would then be assigned to that route. This meant that time had to be spent organizing stop data into routes before being able to upload it.
The latest unassigned stops list feature allows stops to be imported without creating or assigning them to any route.
Simply import stops directly into the unassigned stops list and use the list's functions to filter, select, and assign stops to a route as and when required.
Stops already assigned to a route can also be moved back onto the unassigned stops list, ready to be reassigned to a different route.
Future versions of this feature will enable dispatchers to bulk upload unassigned stops and drivers will be able to scan a barcode to automatically pull an unassigned stop from the list onto their route.
Previously, all operational team members had access to change global account settings.
With the introduction of a new Depot Manager team role, restrictions have now been placed on the level of settings access each role type has.
Depot Managers can only manage settings related to their assigned depot. This prevents team members in various locations from changing settings that have an account-wide impact.
When tracking updates are sent, recipients can add delivery instructions for their driver. When used correctly, this is a beneficial feature, and the recipient can provide useful delivery instructions.
However, some recipients submit unrealistic and demanding delivery requests, which can delay and disrupt drivers. Our latest update lets you turn off the ability for recipients to add delivery instructions.
