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Are you wondering why, in the age of Google Maps and Apple Maps, the development of a route planner app is still necessary? It can be difficult for drivers to meet the estimated delivery time at times due to the growing traffic and congested roads. This is the reason why the majority of people still prefer to shop locally rather than online. Here’s where you can convert these prospective clientele groups into online purchasers.

By investing in route planner app development solutions, you can speed up last-mile delivery. Therefore, creating a cutting-edge app specifically for your route planning requires a calculated approach. It should make work easier, monitor progress, and—above all—save fuel and time. Let us look at the key elements and procedures you need to work through when creating a unique route planner app.

So, let’s begin!

What is a Route Planner App?

A route planner app helps fleets deliver goods and services by scheduling stops and delivery destinations. A delivery route planner can offer more than just scheduling. It can also offer real-time route optimization, GPS tracking, and on-demand dispatch.

To enhance the execution process as a whole, many offer input gathering and machine learning. So, if you are planning to invest in route planner app development, then first validate your app idea with a fleet management app development company.

Market Statistics of Navigation and GPS Tracking App

Source: Statista

The global GPS tracking device market is expected to grow steadily between 2020 and 2025, reaching a size of 2.38 billion by that time.
Google Maps was the most downloaded navigation and map app in the US in 2023.
In 2023, the navigation app industry generated $16.2 billion in revenue. This revenue came primarily from Google Maps.
In 2028, the industry is expected to produce $36.6 billion, expanding at a rate of 14.8%.
Moovit has about 1.5 billion daily users, compared to Google Maps’ 1.8 billion monthly average.

Different Types of Route Planner Apps

Route planning apps can be divided into six major categories based on the workflows they support. To meet your business needs, it is essential to take into account all of these types when planning to create a mobile application for route planning. Let’s have a look at the major types.

1. Multi-Stop Route Planner App

The number of stops a driver visits in a single turn is taken into account when creating routes with the aid of multi-stop route planning. Additionally, a multi-stop route planner app aids in determining the optimal route for these numerous stops as well as the approximate time of arrival.

2. Dynamic Route Planner App

To create routes, this app Like Life360 uses real-world obstacles like bad weather and traffic. These route plans reroute the upcoming deliveries after the delivery is completed.

3. Open Path Routing App

Open path routing apps are ideal for companies that wish to make more stops in a shorter amount of time and for third-party logistics partners who do not have to go back to the depot once a delivery is completed.

4. Closed Path Routing App

By creating these cycle route planner apps, a U-shaped route is created for the vehicles to complete the deliveries and travel to the first depot, where the final stop is closest to the depot.

5. Depot to Depot Routing App

You can plan more efficient routes for your drivers to travel between depots with the aid of these solutions. For vehicles starting with an empty or full load, this kind of route planning app Like Waze is ideal.

6. Reverse Open Path Routing App

The plan begins at the stop that is most distant from the depot in the reverse open path routing app. Additionally, it calculates a driver’s backtrack route to the depot. For cars that wish to use less fuel while transporting large loads, this is perfect.

How To Build a Route Planner App?

Developing a route planner app from the ground up calls for careful preparation, painstaking design, and specialized development abilities. The steps that must be taken to develop a route planner app are listed below.

1. Discovery Phase

This phase involves a more thorough discussion of the project’s requirements. The platform on which the routine planner app develop are given more consideration. The IT consulting services experts also assist in considering every aspect of development in order to lower potential risks. They then work with solution designers to create a thorough cost estimate.

2. Make UI/UX Design

When it comes to iPhone or Android route optimization, the user interface needs to be as intuitive and natural as possible. Users will find it easier to learn how to use the application as a result. The user experience should also be as considerate as possible, and a skilled UI/UX designer can effectively accomplish this.

They consider all indicators: fonts, colors, styles, etc. The application’s design is meticulously created, screen by screen. The backend development phase of your courier route planner app begins once you give your approval to the look.

3. Start the App Development

The GPS tracking software development company will create route optimization apps that satisfy all of your needs. You can continue with cross-platform development or think about developing distinct solutions for iOS and Android. Teams of experts from each platform are involved when trying route planner app development for one operating system or both independently.

If you wish to run an application for one iOS and add a solution for the other later, this option can be helpful. Flutter cross-platform development is a good option if you want to run two apps simultaneously. It will create universal code for both platforms, saving you time and money.

4. Test the Application

Testing is a part of every development stage. Here the experts are required to verify that the address-running route planner application functions properly and is free of errors or serious defects. Before launching the application, you can use both automated and manual techniques to find any potential errors.

5. Deploy and Maintain

You can release your delivery route planner application if everything works out for you. Finally, you can implement it into your chain of logistics processes and train your employees on how to use it.

After the successful implementation of the application, you will receive post-release support, which will include updates and fixes determined by you and your mobile app maintenance services team.

Key Features of Route Planner App Development

Your app’s features are its most important and successful component. However, the features, functionalities, and complexity you choose can easily cause your project to go over budget. So to avoid exceeding your budget limits, let’s prioritize the features for the best route planner apps.

Feature	Description
Route Optimization	Your app must determine the best route automatically based on variables like delivery windows, traffic, and distance.
Real-time Traffic Updates	It allows for dynamic route adjustments by providing the most recent traffic data.
GPS Navigation	You can build an app like GeoZilla that provides voice-guided turn-by-turn directions.
Offline Maps	This makes it possible to plan routes and navigate without an internet connection.
Multiple-Stop Routing	It makes it possible to arrange routes with several stops in the most effective sequence.
Delivery Time Windows	Each stop is given a specific delivery window with the best route planner app for delivery drivers.
Proof of Delivery	Drivers can take pictures or digital signatures to serve as delivery confirmation.
Vehicle Tracking	It keeps track of delivery vehicles’ current location and condition in real time.
Driver Management	Users oversee the scheduling, assignments, and performance evaluations of drivers.
Route History and Analytics	Users can keep track of past data to spot patterns and plan out future routes.
Integration with Other Systems	Yu should hire mobile app developers who can integrate existing systems like warehouse management, ERP, and CRM.
Customer Notifications	It provides clients with up-to-date information on delivery status and anticipated arrival times.
Dynamic Rerouting	It automatically recalculates routes in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as road closures or traffic jams.
Voice Commands	It enables voice commands to be used to operate the application by drivers.

5 Best Route Planner Applications

If you want a successful route planner app development solution, then you need to thoroughly study your competitors. You can perform SWOT analysis to make your app stand out. So, here we have compiled a list of the best GPS tracking apps.

Top 5 Route Planner Apps	Available Platform	Downloads	Ratings
Route4Me	Android \| iOS	500K+	4.1
MapQuest	Android \| iOS	10M+	4.1
Waze	Android \| iOS	500M+	4.1
Routin	Android \| iOS	1M+	4.5
Google Maps	Android \| iOS	1B+	4.2

How Much Does It Cost To Develop a Route Planner App?

Every route planning application has a unique set of features and levels of complexity. The cost to develop a GPS tracking software project will increase with its size and the number of team members involved. So, we can provide a rough estimate of route planner app development cost.

It can range between $10000 – $25000. Let’s have a look at the below table of cost to develop a route planner app.

App Complexity	Costs
Basic Route Planner App	$10000 – $15000
Medium Route Planner App	$15000 – $20000
Advanced Route Planner App	$25000+

Now that you know the cost to build a route planner app, you can simply calculate the cost with the below formula:

Total Route Planner App Development Cost = Developer’s Hourly Rate * Development Time

However, you have to take into account a number of factors when estimating the cost like tech stack, features, and development phases. If you want some assistance regarding cost, then you must consult with a mobile app development company.

Benefits of Route Planner App Development

Convenience is not the only reason to build a route planner app. Apart from alerting users about routes, there are a plethora of benefits your logistics business will get. So, let’s check out:

1. Increased Efficiency

The most efficient routes are found by route planner apps, which reduce fuel consumption and travel time. This results in increased overall efficiency, lower operating costs, and speedier deliveries.

2. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

Customers are much more satisfied with GPS tracking software development because they provide accurate ETAs and on-time delivery. Knowing when to expect their orders is appreciated by customers, which improves brand perception and fosters greater customer loyalty.

3. Real-Time Tracking and Updates

Businesses can track deliveries in real time, keep an eye on their fleet, and take proactive measures to resolve any problems. This openness fosters consumer trust and enables companies to react quickly to modifications in delivery schedules.

4. Scalability

As a business grows, managing logistics may become more challenging. An adaptable navigation app development solution that can expand with your company is provided by a route planner app. Whether you are adding new cars, expanding service areas, or increasing delivery frequencies, it can manage higher demands without experiencing significant operational problems.

3 Ways To Monetize Your Route Planner Application

Now that you know the cost to build a route planner app, it is vital to monetize the app. So, let’s dive into the monetization models.

1. Premium Features

You could give away a free version of your app but charge for the more advanced features. For instance, offline maps, real-time traffic updates, customized suggestions, and sophisticated route optimization.

The cost to develop a fleet management app is the core functionality free to use while encouraging users to upgrade for a more seamless and complete experience.

2. In-App Advertising

You can display relevant ads, such as banner, interstitial, or native ads, within your app to generate a significant amount of revenue. It would be ideal to collaborate with advertisers who serve your target market, like local businesses, travel agencies, or car rental companies. You can ensure that the advertisements improve the user experience and are not intrusive.

3. Partnerships and Integrations

It provides integrated services within your app if you work with other travel-related companies. For example, to develop a location-based app, collaborate with lodging facilities, vehicle rental businesses, or tour operators. Every booking made via your app can earn you a commission.

Start Your Route Planner App Development With Dev Technosys!

It is clear to you that the navigation industry is changing transportation capabilities and having a significant impact on logistics and delivery companies. Even so, there are a lot of apps for route planners on the market. Therefore, it makes sense to work with a leading iOS or Android app development company to gain a competitive advantage in this market.

Dev Technosys excels as a mobile app developer, offering customized solutions tailored to your specific needs. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us right away to level up your business with an amazing route planning app development solution.

FAQs

Q1. How Much Does It Cost to Develop the Route Planner App?

The cost to make a route planner app depends on your project requirements. Generally, the mobile app development costs you between $10000 – $25000 or even more.

Q2. How Long Does It Take To Build a Route Planner App?

The estimated timeframe of route optimization app development can be between 2-7 months or more. But the time is not always the same. It keeps on fluctuating as per the app complexity.