Route Planning: Reduce Windshield Time and Increase Uptime
Also see: The public-facing primer on remote data and dispatch workflows is Vending Machine Telemetry and Remote Monitoring.
Direct answer: Great route planning is about servicing the right machines at the right time with the right inventory, while minimizing travel time.
Start with a cadence (then optimize)
- New locations: service more frequently at first to prevent stockouts.
- Once stable: adjust cadence based on sales velocity and telemetry.
Design your service visit checklist
- Restock best sellers first
- Check coin/bill/cashless devices
- Test vend (especially after adjustments)
- Clean glass and payment area
- Log issues and parts needed
Cluster by geography and friction
Time is money. Group stops by:
- geography
- access rules (security, hours)
- service complexity (fresh vs packaged)
Use telemetry signals
If you have telemetry, service based on:
- low-stock alerts
- stockout patterns
- error alerts
Operator shortcut: The biggest “profit leak” is usually not product cost. It’s time. Route planning is time management.
Related operator guides
- Cashless & Telemetry
- Inventory & Par Levels
- Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- AI for Forecasting & Product Mix
- Start Here: First 30 Days
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