What is a Template?
A Template is a series of up to 24 Stops saved together, so that they can be sent together as needed rather than entering each Stop separately. Templates are stored in the system for reuse. Two elements can be used to build the Templates: Stops and Waypoints
Stops are designated work locations where the driver is required to halt and carry out specific tasks, such as delivering goods or performing repairs. These will be visible to the Driver when viewed on the GPS Trackit Driver App.
Waypoints are predefined points that the vehicle must navigate through while traveling from one stop to the next. They ensure that the driver follows the intended route, for example avoiding a particular bridge. Waypoints are not listed for the Driver to view on their app.
If a Stop or Waypoint is missed, it can activate a Route Deviation alert.
Why Are Templates Used?
Templates provide an efficient method for bulk dispatching a set of assignments to a Driver. The templates are saved within the software, enabling them to be sent over and over again and making them uniquely suited for businesses that run regular routes. For example, a lawn care company that is going to be servicing the same properties week to week might use Templates to send out assignments rapidly, repeatedly and in bulk.
How Are Templates Created?
Templates are created via the Routes tab on the left-hand menu. Once Templates have been created, they are sent to the Drivers via the GPS Trackit Driver app. Because Templates are saved, they can be assigned to the Drivers repeatedly, making them an excellent option for industries that run regular set routes. As opportunities are assigned the ability to make edits will be provided.
*Note: the 24 stop limit is a function of Google Maps and cannot be overridden.
To begin, click Routes on the left-hand menu.
Then click the Templates tab, followed by the plus (+) button in the upper left corner.
Each Template will need a unique name and color.
Stops and Waypoints will all need to be entered by clicking Stop or Waypoint (Add/Edit).
Both Stops and Waypoints can be input as an Address, a Unit (vehicle) location, Landmark or manual Map Click. Stops will require a unique Name to be entered as well, however this is not required for Waypoints.
Each Stop has a radius, which can be adjusted. When the vehicle assigned to the Driver enters the specified radius, the Stop status will automatically update to On Site. If the vehicle assignment tool is not in use, the driver must manually update the status to On Site.
In both cases, the previous status must have first been set to In Route, as Stops cannot transition directly from Pending to On Site.
As with the Name Field, no Radius is set for Waypoints.
After adjusting the radius enter any Notes regarding the Stop/Waypoint, for example to enter by a certain door. For Stops, these notes will be visible to the Driver and should be used to pass along work instructions such as the example above.
The Notes field is also available for Waypoints, however as Waypoints aren’t visible to the Driver the notes won’t be either. Waypoints notes are meant for the Users who create and assign the Routes and Templates. For example, the Waypoint is in use to ensure that vehicles avoid a certain bridge due to their size.
Once satisfied with the Stop details press Add to save.
Repeat the above steps to input the required number of Stops. A limit of 24 stops is imposed by Google Maps, which cannot be overridden. Waypoints do not count towards that total.
As the Stops and Waypoints are entered, their positions will be mapped out to the left allowing for a visual overview of the Route as a whole.
To manually reposition Stops and Waypoints, click the Route Stops dropdown.
The first and final Stops to be entered into the Route will be marked ‘Start’ and ‘End’ respectively and will contain a button allowing arrival/departure tracking to be enabled or disabled as needed. Disabling arrival/departure tracking is utilized to indicate that the location is where the Driver should begin and end their Route from but that these are not work assignments and will not require the Driver to make inputs on the app to update their status. For example, indicating that the Driver should begin and end their Route at the company office.
The next step is to review the Template and make any adjustments needed before saving. If a stop needs to be changed or removed, hover over the Stop and click the quick menu button that will appear to the right.
The list entries can be dragged and dropped to change their position within the Route. The Route plotting on the map will automatically update to reflect the changes.
Once all the Stops have been entered, press the ‘Save’.
As many Templates as needed can be created. And existing Templates can be edited or deleted at any time. For example, let’s say that a Template has been created for Tuesday deliveries and two weeks later a new stop needs to be added. No need to create a new Template, just make edits to the existing one!
To edit a Template, locate the Template on the list and then click the button with the three dots in the right hand corner. Select Edit. This will bring the list of Stops to make the changes. To completely remove a Template, select Delete. A deleted Template will vanish completely from the Driver’s list.