POM's route optimization feature helps dispatchers efficiently assign jobs and optimize technician routes to minimize drive time. This two-step workflow ensures your team covers more pools with less time on the road.
Overview
The route optimization workflow consists of two main steps:
1. Assign jobs from the Unassigned Queue to technicians
2. Use the Route Optimizer to set the best order/sequence for each technician's stops
Step 1: Assign Jobs from the Unassigned Queue
The Unassigned Queue shows all jobs that haven't been assigned to a technician yet. To assign jobs:
1. Go to Schedule and look for the Unassigned Queue section. TIP: The Combined view works best for this
2. You'll see a list of jobs waiting to be assigned with customer names and addresses
3. Drag and drop jobs onto a technician's schedule, or click the job and select a technician
4. Jobs will appear on the technician's route for that day
Step 2: Optimize the Route
Once jobs are assigned, use the Route Optimizer to set the most efficient order:
1. Navigate to the Schedule view (SCHEDULE or COMBINED tab)
2. Click on the technician's name in the Gantt chart to open the Route Optimizer panel
3. The Route Optimizer shows:
- Total drive time and miles for the current route
- A numbered list of all stops
- A map showing the route
5. Toggle "Show Optimization" to see the suggested optimized route
- This displays the potential time and mileage savings
- Compare the current route vs. the optimized route
6. Click "UPDATE ROUTE" to apply the optimized order
Additional Options
- Reverse Route Order: Flip the entire route if that works better for the technician
- Avoid tolls: Toggle this on to route around toll roads