text: Why Afi Labs for a multi-view routing prototype
  In their first year of operations, Cannakiss delivered an average of 15 to 25 packages per day. The website accepted orders until 2PM, and dispatchers manually organized a delivery route each afternoon. Drivers were paid per order based on a manual count at the end of the day.
  But as life in 2020 took a dramatic turn when the country went into COVID-19 lockdown, weed delivery order volume skyrocketed. With a 100% increase in orders from February to March alone, manual once-a-day scheduling was no longer sustainable.
  While Cannakiss had always provided general delivery information, dozens of customers started calling each day to check on the status of their package or ask for a specific delivery time. Customer service agents had to check in with drivers, disrupting their deliveries and leading to longer call times.
  Cannakiss got in touch with Afi Labs to help them develop a simple and effective driver app and backend that they could use to organize operations. The custom software had keep their customers informed about delivery timing.
  Unlike most last-mile delivery companies, Cannakiss's operations were driver-centric: individual drivers (who are fully independent owner-operators) could choose which packages they wanted to deliver based on the geographic service area they wanted to drive in.
  Working together with Cannakiss's operations and customer service teams, Afi Labs built RouteBasic, a lightweight delivery management app that drivers could use to plan their routes and track deliveries.
  When drivers arrive at Cannakiss's fulfilment center, packages are already sorted by zip code. A driver picks up his assigned packages and manually creates stops in RouteBasic by adding the customer's name, phone number and delivery address.
  Then, by using RouteBasic's route optimization feature, his stops are optimally sequenced based on his start location and other preferences. The driver can view his stops in their route optimized order, together with his estimated arrival time (ETA) on both a list and map view.
  If he wants to make changes to the route, he can do so by pressing down on a stop and dragging it up or down.
  Rather than having to call customer service to find out when their deliveries are scheduled to arrive, clients can now track their own packages with a real-time driver map. The link to the map is sent to them via text message when the driver is en route.
  On the backend, built-in tools automatically track each driver’s deliveries and their relevant pay, eliminating the need for a nightly tally while streamlining both payroll and customer service.
  Photo proof of delivery, customer signatures and delivery notes are captured by the driver on his app and stored on RouteBasic's admin dashboard for easy access in the event of disputes or missed deliveries.
  Cannakiss now starts cannabis delivery at 11AM and can accept orders until 8PM.
  With revenue growth of more than 200% in the last two fiscal periods, the team increased from two drivers at the end of February 2020 to 18 by the end of April. They can now include third-party couriers to meet demand.
  The hours saved configuring driver routes, calculating pay, and responding to customers’ delivery queries now go towards sourcing new products for growth and providing personal customer service that breeds repeat business.
  Interested in using RouteBasic for your delivery business? Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today. Driver routes and customer proof of delivery can be accessed by creating an account at www.routebasic.com.