In an increasingly globalized world, digital eines are faced with an important challenge: reaching a diverse audience, with specific linguistic needs and preferences. Localization, which does not include translation, but also the cultural and functional adaptation of a program to different linguistic contexts, is a fundamental factor for the success of a platform. In the area of logistics and planning the race mile, with every second and every detail, working in the mateix language that the users make the operation more fluid, clear and efficient.

At Routal, we are aware of the importance of offering a personalized and accessible user experience. It is per això that they are delighted to announce that for users they can use Planner in Catalan, in addition to other languages available on the platform (Castellà, Anglès and Portuguese). But why is localization so important on planning platforms such as Routal? How does the Catalan language benefit our Catalan-speaking users?

Why is localization key in a planning platform?

1. Improved accuracy and understanding: When working in the proper language, ambiguities are reduced and errors due to lack of understanding are avoided in planning and operating processes. Això is especially relevant in platforms that manage complex tasks, such as the creation of itineraries or the optimization of delivery routes.

2. Increase productivity and agility: Local language interfaces allow plugin users to work more quickly and naturally, accelerating the learning process of the platform and helping the puguin teams to focus on the seven tasks of afegit value.

3. Connection to the end client: In the last mile, the final customer is a fundamental piece. Through Routal, customers can follow the status of their liuraments, receive notifications and provide feedback. Offering this communication in the client's preferred language generates a more comfortable and satisfying experience, which in turn translates into greater loyalty and trust for the company.

4. Cultural adaptation for a better user experience: In addition to translation, localization also includes visual elements, date and time formats, or style preferences. These small details make the user feel the platform as their own, adjusted to their strict expectations and customs.

L'impacte del català a Routal Planner: what does this novelty suppose?

The addition of Catalan to Routal Planner represents a unique opportunity for Catalan-speaking businesses and users. These are some of the benefits:

• Integration facility for local teams: With Catalan as an option, operations and planning teams can use language in a language that is closest to them, which facilitates training and helps avoid misunderstandings in route management.

• Improved communication with clients and drivers: Notifications, follow-up messages and satisfaction surveys can be sent in Catalan, offering end customers a more appropriate and respectful service with their own language, a value afegit for many local companies.

• Contribution to linguistic standardization: For many companies, the inclusion of Catalan in an international platform also has an important symbolic component. With this new option, Routal shows its commitment to integrating itself into the linguistic and cultural reality of its users, contributing to the normalization of Catalan in the business and technological fields.

How to activate the Catalan language in Routal Planner?

Activating català to Routal Planner is easy. Un cop a l'aplicació, només cal anar a Settings > Language i select català dins from the options menu. In this way, the interface, the planning axes and all the communications related to the lliuraments will automatically adapt to the selected language.

Final Reflections

The addition of Catalan to Routal Planner is another step in our commitment to offering a complete, optimized and accessible experience to users of all kinds. Localization does not only improve the efficiency of operations, but rather creates a closer relationship between the company and its clients and teams. This project has been possible thanks to the support of Department of Culture of the Government of Catalonia, which has been a fundamental ally for realizing the integration of the Catalan language into Routal Planner.

With this plan, Routal reaffirms our commitment to cultural inclusion and adaptation as the pillars of our expansion. Expect that this new canvi continues to be of great help to Catalan-speaking entrepreneurs and users, and encourage us to try and experience the benefits of working in your language. Thank you for trusting us for the management of the Milla race!

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Google Maps is, without a doubt, one of the most popular tools for finding routes on a daily basis. Its friendly interface and its ability to offer the fastest route between two points make it an ideal ally when you need to go from one place to another. However, when the challenge is to plan routes with multiple destinations, Google Maps falls short.

How do you optimize routes in Google Maps?

Using Google Maps to plan routes is quite simple:

1. Add your starting point and your destination.

2. If you need to stop by other places, you can add up to 9 additional stops.

3. You choose the route that seems most convenient to you based on the system's suggestions.

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This functionality is perfect if you only have to visit a few places. Google Maps allows you to see traffic conditions in real time and adjust on the fly if you encounter any obstacles.

The limitations of Google Maps for complex routes

When it comes to planning routes with more than 9 stops or when you need to optimize the order of these stops to save time and fuel, Google Maps has several important limitations:

1. Maximum of 9 destinations: This is probably the clearest limitation. If you need to visit more than 9 places, you'll have to divide your route into several parts, which complicates planning and increases the risk of errors.

2. No automatic order optimization: Google Maps doesn't rearrange your stops to give you the most efficient order. This means that you are the one who must decide the order of the visits, which can be complicated if you don't take into account aspects such as traffic, distances or time windows.

3. Lack of advanced features: Google Maps does not offer advanced features necessary for last-mile operations, such as the ability to manage large volumes of destinations or to calculate the best route based on business needs (delivery priorities, schedules, vehicle restrictions, etc.).

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So what is Google Maps really useful for?

Where Google Maps shines It is in Find the fastest route between two points. If you only need to go from one place to another, or make a small number of stops (less than 10), it's a quick and effective option. In addition, its integration with real-time traffic reports allows you to adjust your plans if you encounter any obstacles.

However, beyond these simple cases, Google Maps isn't designed to manage complex routes.

Alternatives to Google Maps for route optimization

If you run a business that requires planning complex routes, such as delivery companies, carriers or any logistics operation with multiple daily deliveries, you need to go a step further. Specialized tools like Routal they offer:

• Automatic stop order optimization: Routes are automatically reorganized to reduce total time and mileage, taking into account factors such as traffic, time windows and priority of deliveries.

• Ability to handle routes with dozens or even hundreds of destinations.

• Full visibility: Both drivers and managers can see progress in real time and adjust to unexpected changes.

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Conclusion

Google Maps is an excellent tool for those who need to get from point A to point B in the fastest way. However, if your goal is optimize routes with multiple stops, you'll need a more robust tool that allows you to plan, organize and adjust automatically and efficiently.

For businesses that rely on last-mile logistics, such as delivery or freight transport, tools such as Routal are essential to manage routes optimally, reduce costs and keep customers satisfied.

Ready to take the next step in route planning? 🚀

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The transition to more sustainable last-mile distribution has become a priority for many eCommerce companies. With the rise of online commerce and growing social pressure to reduce environmental impact, companies are looking for alternatives to reduce emissions associated with product deliveries. However, sustainability in the last mile is not only a matter of entrepreneurial will, but also of economic viability. The recent announcement about the closing of operations of Geever, a pioneering company in sustainable last-mile logistics, highlights the complexity of the problem: How to make low-emission distribution also profitable?

The Geever Case: A Lesson on Sustainability and Viability

Geever, a company that advocated the reduction of emissions in urban distribution, has been an example of how innovation in last-mile logistics can face financial challenges. His project aimed to create a network of microhubs that would reduce the distances traveled by delivery vehicles, using less polluting transports, such as bicycles and electric vehicles. However, like many other sustainable distribution projects, Geever failed to reconcile ecological ambition with a profitable operation. This leads us to reflect on the barriers that companies face on this path and how this obstacle could be overcome to achieve a balance between sustainability and costs.

Why aren't consumers betting on the sustainable last mile yet?

One of the great challenges that eCommerce companies face is the consumers' reluctance to pay more for sustainable shipping. Although commitment to the environment has grown among buyers, many still prioritize price and speed over sustainability. In a market where free or low-cost shipping is the norm, asking for a premium for greener options becomes a challenge.

Companies that have implemented shipments with a lower environmental impact, such as the use of electric vehicles or bicycle deliveries, have found that consumers value these options, but they are not willing to assume a significant additional cost. According to several studies, more than 50% of customers prefer fast and economical shipping to a sustainable one, leaving logistics companies at a crossroads: how to make a green operation profitable if the consumer is not willing to pay for it?

The sustainable and profitable last mile challenge: efficiency is key

The key to achieving sustainable and cost-effective last-mile distribution lies in the operational efficiency. Companies must optimize their resources and processes to reduce costs without compromising their environmental impact. Technology plays a crucial role in this regard, allowing logistics companies to:

1. Optimize delivery routes: Platforms such as Routal help to create more efficient routes, reducing kilometers traveled and, therefore, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. By using artificial intelligence to analyze traffic, demand and city conditions, it is possible to assign the best routes to electric vehicles or delivery bicycles.

2. Consolidate shipments: One of the most effective methods for reducing both costs and emissions is order consolidation. Instead of making individual deliveries for each customer, companies can combine multiple orders on a single trip, maximizing efficiency and reducing the number of vehicles needed on the streets.

3. Use of urban hubs: Just as Geever tried, the Microhubs urban ones make it possible to bring products closer to end customers and make last-mile deliveries in a more agile and sustainable way. These intermediate points allow companies to minimize routes and make the most of low or zero emission delivery vehicles.

How to make sustainability attractive to consumers?

Sustainability in the last mile doesn't just depend on technology and efficiency; it also requires a change in consumer mentality. Companies must find ways to encourage customers to choose greener delivery options, without creating a price barrier. Some strategies that have started to work include:

• Rewards for choosing sustainable options: Offer future discounts, loyalty points or additional benefits to consumers who choose greener shipping.

• Transparency about environmental impact: Showing clearly and directly how consumer decisions impact the environment can motivate many to change their consumption habits.

• Scheduled shipments: Instead of prioritizing 24-hour delivery, allowing customers to choose slower but consolidated shipments can reduce emissions and, at the same time, lower logistics costs.

The Future of the Sustainable Last Mile

The closure of the Geever project makes it clear that the transition to a more sustainable last mile still faces significant challenges. However, the demand for low-emission logistics solutions continues to grow, driven by stricter regulations in many cities and by a progressive change of mentality in society.

The challenge for eCommerce and logistics companies lies in find the balance between sustainability and profitability, something that can only be achieved through greater investment in technology, innovation in business models and an effort to involve the consumer in the solution.

In short, sustainability in the last mile is not just a matter of choice, but of necessity, and making it economically viable inevitably involves making efficiency and technological innovation the pillars of this transformation.

This is a key moment for logistics and eCommerce companies to redefine their strategies and bet on a last mile that is not only low in emissions, but also profitable and efficient. Are you ready to optimize your logistics? Find out how Routal can help you take that step towards sustainability with intelligent and efficient routes.

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Last-mile logistics has become a decisive factor for the success of delivery companies, as customers expect faster deliveries, real-time tracking and personalized service. However, managing this phase of the process is not easy. Problems such as inefficient routes, failed deliveries and poor communication between drivers and customers can have a negative impact on your business, increasing operating costs and affecting customer satisfaction.

In this post, we'll help you identify the most common logistics problems in the last mile and how to effectively resolve them. In the end, we'll see how a solution like Routal can optimize the entire process, facilitating management and increasing efficiency.

Common logistics problems in the last mile

1. Inefficient routes

One of the biggest problems faced by last-mile companies is route planning. The lack of good optimization can lead to longer journeys, longer delivery times and inefficient fuel use. For example, if a driver has to travel several additional kilometers because the route was not properly designed, costs increase and delivery time is extended.

2. Failed deliveries

Failed deliveries are another challenge. Whether because the customer is not available at the time of delivery or because an incorrect address is provided, every failed attempt means more time and money lost. In addition, repeated delays can cause customer frustration, affecting their perception of the service.

3. Lack of real-time visibility

Both customers and logistics managers demand real-time visibility. Without a platform to monitor the progress of deliveries, it's difficult to anticipate problems, such as delays or changes in traffic conditions. This also affects the ability to respond quickly to any issue.

4. Problems communicating with drivers

When communication between route planners and drivers is poor, errors such as out of order deliveries or unnecessary detours can be made. In addition, drivers may face unforeseen problems during the day, such as closed streets or changes in traffic conditions, without the ability to receive clear, real-time instructions.

Solutions to logistics problems

1. Implementing route optimization tools

An effective way to fix inefficient routes is to implement route optimization software that takes into account factors such as distance, traffic, and customer time windows. By optimizing routes, you can reduce both the time and the cost of deliveries. For example, a local bakery that offers daily delivery optimized its routes, allowing it to reduce the number of kilometers traveled by 15% and make more punctual deliveries.

2. Improving accuracy in delivery planning

To minimize failed deliveries, it is essential to have a system that verifies addresses, allows customers to adjust their availability in real time and that integrates automatic notifications. With this improvement, a fresh food company was able to reduce its failed deliveries by 20%, simply by offering customers the option to easily reschedule their deliveries.

3. Real-time monitoring

Real-time visibility helps companies react quickly to any unforeseen event. Administrators can monitor the progress of each delivery and make adjustments if problems arise, such as traffic diversions or road blocks. In addition, the customer can also track their order at all times, improving their experience and trust in the service.

4. Efficient communication with drivers

Good communication is key to uninterrupted operation. By using mobile apps that connect drivers with planners, companies can offer quick solutions to any problem on the road, optimizing routes on the go and providing clear directions.

How Routal can help you solve these problems

This is where Routal comes into play. Routal offers a comprehensive solution that solves the most common logistics problems in the last mile.

• Route optimization: Routal uses advanced algorithms that plan the most efficient routes based on multiple variables, such as traffic, delivery times and locations. This allows you to reduce travel times and operating costs.

• Real-time notifications and communication: Drivers can always be connected to the planners, ensuring a quick response to any unforeseen event. In addition, customers receive automatic notifications and can follow the status of their orders in real time.

• Full visibility of deliveries: Routal offers a panel where managers can monitor all ongoing deliveries, anticipating problems and adjusting routes when necessary. Not only does this improve operational efficiency, but it also increases customer satisfaction.

• Reduction of failed deliveries: By validating addresses and allowing customers to adjust their availability, Routal reduces the risk of failed deliveries, optimizing resources and improving the end user experience.

In conclusion, last-mile logistics presents multiple challenges that, if not properly managed, can seriously affect your business. The key to solving them is to identify problems in time and implement appropriate solutions. With a tool such as Routal, you can optimize your operations, improve customer satisfaction and reduce costs, ensuring an efficient and high-quality delivery service.

Start solving logistical problems in your company with Routal today!

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Capillary Transportation: What It Is, Its Characteristics, and Importance in Logistics

The concept of capillary transportation is crucial in modern logistics, especially in last-mile delivery. This type of transportation refers to the distribution of goods in densely populated urban areas, where vehicles must navigate narrow streets or difficult-to-access zones. Its name comes from its resemblance to blood capillaries, which distribute blood to every part of the body, much like capillary transportation delivers products to the final consumer.

Characteristics of Capillary Transportation

1. Short and frequent distances: This type of transportation takes place in urban areas, involving shorter routes but more frequent stops.

2. Small and agile vehicles: Vehicles are usually smaller, such as vans or even cargo bikes, adapted to maneuver in areas with space limitations or access restrictions.

3. High delivery density: Due to the nature of urban areas, capillary transportation typically involves a high volume of deliveries concentrated in short distances, requiring precise planning.

4. Advanced technology: To handle the complexity, route optimization technology like that offered by Routal is used, reducing delivery times, operating costs, and carbon emissions.

Importance of Capillary Transportation in Logistics

Capillary transportation is essential to ensure that products reach the final consumer quickly and efficiently. In a world where demand for immediate deliveries is increasing, optimizing this phase of the logistics chain is critical for:

• Improving customer experience: Fast and punctual deliveries directly influence customer satisfaction, potentially translating into brand loyalty.

• Reducing operational costs: Effective capillary transportation management maximizes route efficiency, lowering fuel and labor costs.

• Minimizing environmental impact: By optimizing routes and using smaller, more eco-friendly vehicles, companies can reduce their carbon footprint, which is increasingly important for those striving to be more sustainable.

Conclusion

Capillary transportation is a key element of modern logistics, especially in the e-commerce era. Companies that optimize this final stage of distribution not only save costs but also significantly improve customer experience. Solutions like Routal make this optimization easier through advanced technology tailored to the challenges of urban areas.

This image illustrates an example of capillary transportation in an urban setting, highlighting the importance of precision in last-mile logistics.

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In the world of modern logistics, digital transformation is revolutionizing many of the processes that were previously manual and cumbersome. One of the most important advances in this regard is the appearance of the digital packing slip, a tool that simplifies and optimizes the merchandise delivery process. But what exactly is a digital packing slip and why is it so relevant to logistics companies? In this article, we'll explore in detail what a digital packing slip is, its advantages, and how it integrates with advanced features such as route tracking and proof of delivery offered by Routal.

What is a digital packing slip?

Un digital packing slip It is the electronic version of the traditional paper delivery note, which acts as a delivery document for merchandise. Like its physical counterpart, the digital packing slip contains details about the shipment, such as the description of the products delivered, the quantities, the recipient and the date of delivery. However, unlike the paper bill, the digital one is managed and stored electronically, making it easier to access and manage.

The digital packing slip may include delivery tests such as the recipient's signature directly on the delivery person's device, photos that confirm receipt of the package, or even QR codes that instantly validate the transaction. All this makes the process more transparent and efficient, both for the logistics company and for customers.

Advantages of the digital packing slip for the logistics company

The implementation of a digital packing slip provides numerous advantages for logistics companies, especially when integrated with systems of route tracking and proof of delivery. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Reduction of administrative errors

One of the most common problems with paper packing slips is the risk of making errors during manual data entry. Whether it's the difficulty of reading handwriting or the loss of documents, human error can lead to confusion, delays, and additional costs. With the digital packing slip, data is recorded electronically, minimizing errors and ensuring that the information is clear and accurate.

2. Operational Efficiency

The use of digital packing slips up the delivery process. Drivers no longer have to carry around paper documents or take the time to file them manually. Instead, all the information needed for delivery is found on their mobile devices, such as tablets or smartphones, connected to the company's system. Not only does this streamline deliveries, but it also facilitates instant access to information, improving operational efficiency at every step.

3. Real-time tracking

One of the great benefits of digital systems is the ability to perform Real-time tracking of routes and deliveries. When a digital packing slip is used, the information is updated instantly, allowing both the company and the customer to know precisely where the order is located at all times. This type of monitoring is essential in the current context, where transparency and customer satisfaction are key differentiating factors.

Routal, for example, offers a solution for route tracking and proof of delivery which allows logistics operators to monitor each delivery in real time, ensuring that shipments are made as scheduled and allowing a quick response to any unforeseen event. In addition, customers can also access this information, significantly improving the user experience.

4. Improved delivery test

An essential aspect of the digital packing slip is the ability to obtain proof of delivery quickly and accurately. Traditional proof of delivery, such as paper signatures, can be ineffective or even falsifiable. However, with the digital packing slip, proof of delivery can be completed more reliably. Some of the forms of testing include:

• Digital signature: The recipient can sign directly on the delivery person's device.
• Geolocated photos: The delivery person can take photos of the package at the time of delivery, ensuring that it arrived at the right place.
• Geolocation: The exact location of the deliverer during delivery is recorded, providing an additional layer of security and precision.

With Routal, this proof of delivery is managed in a fully integrated manner. The signatures, photos and the geolocation of the delivery are stored on the platform, allowing for a detailed history of each operation. Not only does this protect the company in the event of disputes, but it also provides a safer and more transparent customer experience.

5. Reduction of paper use and associated costs

The use of paper packing slips involves additional costs, such as the purchase of material, printing, storage and management of physical documents. In addition, storing large quantities of paper can be inefficient and prone to loss or deterioration. By digitizing these documents, companies not only save money, but they also contribute to reducing environmental impact, moving towards more sustainable operations.

6. Integration with logistics management systems

The digital packing slip does not work in isolation, but it can be perfectly integrated with other logistics management systems. This allows for full automation of processes, from route planning to delivery confirmation. For example, solutions such as those offered by Routal allow logistics companies to plan delivery routes optimally, monitor drivers' progress and automatically receive proof of delivery in real time.

In addition, the data collected from digital packing slips can be analyzed to identify trends, bottlenecks or areas for improvement in company operations, which can lead to continuous optimization of the logistics process.

7. Improved customer satisfaction

Finally, one of the biggest advantages of implementing digital packing slips is the improvement in customer satisfaction. Thanks to real-time tracking, transparency in the delivery process and reliable proof of delivery, customers have a much more positive experience. They know exactly when their order will arrive, they can follow it in real time and they are sure that they will receive clear proof that their merchandise has been delivered correctly.

Success Story: Quaker State

A prominent example of how the digital packing slip can completely transform logistics operations is the success story of Quaker State, one of the leading brands in the automotive lubricant industry. Quaker State adopted a system of digital packing slips and the complete digitalization of their delivery process, which allowed them not only to improve the efficiency of their logistics chain, but also to significantly reduce the time between the delivery of the material and the collection of the material.

Before implementing the digital packing slip, Quaker State's delivery process relied heavily on paper documents and manual systems, leading to delays, loss of documents, and billing errors. After digitizing the process with tools such as route tracking and proof of delivery, Quaker State was able to drastically reduce these problems.

The most shocking result was the savings of more than 2 million dollars in operating costs. The speed with which deliveries were processed and proof of delivery validated allowed the time between receipt of products and payment to be reduced from weeks to just a few days. This improvement not only optimized the company's cash flow, but it also improved relationships with its customers, who valued transparency and speed in the delivery process.

Conclusion

The digital packing slip is an essential tool for logistics companies looking to improve their efficiency, reduce costs and offer a better experience to their customers. By combining this technology with advanced systems of route tracking and proof of delivery, such as those offered by Routal, companies can optimize their operations, minimize errors and ensure customer satisfaction.

The success story of Quaker State is tangible proof of the benefits of digitizing delivery processes. The implementation of digital packing slips can not only lead to great savings in operating costs, but it can also accelerate the revenue cycle, improving the competitiveness and efficiency of any logistics company.

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Last-mile logistics is a business of cents and seconds, every cent counts, every second matters. Making your deliveryman's life more agile, simple and efficient will have a bigger impact than you may be aware of.

Surely you are looking for an app, and just thinking that you will have to explain to all the delivery people how to install it, if it will work on their phones, especially that of external distributors that change every day, among many other problems... you will think that paper is not such a bad solution.

Perhaps there are alternatives other than an app that requires installation, which will be even faster and more convenient than handing over a paper. We are going to see the big differences between a native app, a webapp and finally paper.

In any change, it is important to identify the main aspects that will mark the success of the change. When adopting a digital solution for delivery people, it is important to reflect on 3 aspects:

• Installing the tool
• The training of the tool
• The adoption of the tool.

Installing the tool

Before deciding on a tool, it is important to thoroughly study the installation process of the chosen tool. A native app will require knowledge on the part of the user when installing apps. Browse the different app stores, until you find the right one. Finally, share with the user their credentials (username and password) in order to access their account. This process must be repeated with all the delivery people, and you will probably have a high turnover, so it will be a process that must be done on a regular basis.

The Routal webapp allows you to speed up this entire process with simple access to a link sent by email, WhatsApp or any other means. It is a very simple and convenient system, especially in companies that work with outsourced services for their operations and these can change daily.

In addition, one of the risks of native apps is support for different models. There are more than 24,000 different models on the market and it's virtually impossible to support all of them. On the contrary, a webapp like Routal's is based on standard HTML code supported by all devices in their native browser. There's nothing worse than hearing a delivery guy say, it doesn't work on my cell phone.

Formation

Training is a key step in using any tool. In general, all mobility tools are usually easy to use by field workers, delivery people, or any employee.

In this video you can see how simple the Routal application is. It doesn't take our customers more than 3 minutes to teach their delivery people how it works.

Adoption

Adopting tools is the most difficult task in any company. Changing the status quo (the company's usual way of working) can be a big challenge. To be successful in this type of project, there is a secret: Generate more convenience to users with the new process.

The application must save time, be simpler than the current solution and, above all, it must make life easier for the worker.

For example, in the Routal webapp, you have a button for direct access to Google Maps or Waze that will fill in the address and guide the delivery person to the delivery point in a single click. Saving a few seconds of copying the address, with the possible errors you may make.

One of the tasks that delivery people do the most is answering the phone. Making calls to customers, receiving calls from their manager to know the status of deliveries, and a long time. Saving 30 seconds by copying a customer's phone number may seem insignificant, but if that task is repeated dozens of times throughout the day, we may be talking about savings of more than 20-30 minutes. Time that can be spent making more deliveries, or avoiding an accident.

Another advantage of digitalization is the ability to share information in real time asynchronously. For example, the status of the deliveries, or the photographs themselves, allow customers and managers to be aware of the status of their delivery and everything that happened at the time they need it. Without bothering, or having to wait. Real-time information, better decisions and more convenient service.

In conclusion, a simple tool that improves the performance of delivery people and is more convenient than the current solution are the keys to achieving the success of a delivery monitoring project.

I encourage you to try our solution Routal Planner route optimization, delivery monitoring through a webapp and real-time communication with your customer.

Tomorrow starts the SIL, the international logistics fair in Barcelona. Not only are there exhibitors at the fair (A142), but it is also the place where the entire sector meets and talks about its future. One of these talks will talk about “Technology vs. People, in search of Purpose”. The purpose is something that many companies are not clear about. Their daily lives have them absorbed and they are unable to lift their heads, think and say: Why am I doing this?

In my opinion, there is no dichotomy between technology and people. It's people and technology. One without the other, it doesn't make sense. This is the difficult strategic decision and change of mindset that many companies have not yet taken in this sector. The logistics sector is no longer a sector where only the physical and people are what are important. Technology and data are just as relevant as people (and surely they will be more so every day).

Our purpose as Routal is clear (and we try to share it at all times): “Move the world smarter”. To achieve this purpose, technology is key, it is the tool that allows our customers to achieve maximum efficiency with minimum complexity. Our humanism consists of providing constant support and accompanying throughout the journey that will profoundly transform the company.

To achieve this purpose, we had to work on the pillars of the company. In the company's ethics, values and humanism. During this introspective study, you realize that people who have trusted you naturally share the same values, ethics and humanism.

Some examples such as Ametller Origen, the food retailer Where its first principle is sustainable growth and a commitment to reducing the impact of activity on the environment. The use of Routal saves them more than 30% of kilometers traveled, fuel and emissions, among other benefits aligned with their values.

Another example is Quaker State, the leading lubricant company in Mexico. Your question is How can a lubricant company last more than 100 years in the industry? Maintaining their values: Honesty, Responsibility and Commitment. Sharing a clear mission for all its customers: To deliver their products with the highest quality standards, using cutting-edge technology, without forgetting their commitment to social welfare, exceeding the expectations of their customers and society.

Quaker saves more than $2 million a year by automating its route planning processes. The integration with their SAP ERP allows them to automate all their billing processes. Monitoring their delivery people and communicating with their customers allows them to share the estimated time of arrival precisely, so that their customers (auto repair shops) can optimize the repair of their customers' cars.

Finally, all this work is condensed into our manifesto.

Move the World Smarter

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Temperature-controlled logistics is an added challenge to the already complicated distribution of goods. The great challenge is to maintain a controlled, stable and safe temperature throughout the journey from the factory to the final consumer of that merchandise.

As logisticians, we must ensure the safety that this product has not been damaged due to an inadequate temperature, since surely.

There are many products that need temperature, from perishable foods such as foods (fruit, vegetables, or any type of fresh food), medicines, or even precision parts whose temperature could change their shape, to give common and not so common examples. Likewise, we can find different temperature levels:

• Without temperature: 15º-40º
• Controlled temperature:
  • Refrigerated: 0ºC → 8ºC
  • Frozen: 0ºC → -20ºC
  • Ultra frozen: Below -40ºC

Products that require controlled temperature are transported by vehicles specially designed to maintain the temperature inside. For this purpose, they are equipped with powerful cooling systems. Some in the form of an autonomous system with their own diesel engines, others connected to the vehicle that provides the energy, or even some are powered by passive cold (incorporating ice loads that preserve the cold).

What challenges do controlling cold in the supply chain entail?

Fuel consumption

Refrigerated vehicles consume much higher than conventional vehicles. Refrigeration is a process that consumes a large amount of energy, and that translates into liters of diesel. The greater the temperature difference between the inside of the truck and the outside, the more work the cooling system must do, consuming more in summer.

Therefore, the products must be in the truck for as little time as possible. Efficient logistics management will try to minimize that time in loading.

Another action that has a great impact on consumption is the opening of doors. Every time a refrigerated truck opens its doors, outside heat penetrates the truck, increasing consumption. The solution is to minimize the opening of doors, and above all, to minimize the time they remain open. Good planning that allows the load to be ordered so that the unloading time is the minimum, will reduce opening time, reducing consumption.

Systems of route optimization that allow efficient route planning, reducing travel time and efficiently organizing vehicle loading are key to reducing consumption, costs and improving service.

Cold chain management and safety

Ensuring that the merchandise has not undergone heating and refreezing is critical. Many goods could be damaged, even becoming dangerous for human consumption. Examples such as fruit, which at high temperatures due to its high sugar content can cause the colonization of bacteria that damage the product, or pharmaceutical material such as vaccines or antibiotics whose effectiveness is reduced due to high temperatures.

Active monitoring of products and/or their transport is key to ensuring that products are transported with guarantees. Dataloggers and all kinds of temperature control probes are key tools for this type of logistics.

Conclusions

The cold logistics chain has a large number of challenges to face. We have dealt with some examples with the main challenges such as logistics optimization to reduce consumption or temperature monitoring to ensure the cold chain at all times. These are some of the main challenges in a key sector for many industries.

At Routal, we help all types of refrigerated transport companies to optimize their distribution, save time and fuel in just 24 hours. Try it here.