The DirectRoute menu contains numerous sub-menu items that, when chosen, present a dropdown lists of action-based options. These items include:
And on the far-right side of the DirectRoute menu is the Module Menu, a drop-down list of add-on software modules available for use with DirectRoute, if licensed.
Directly below the menu is the toolbar, containing various icons used to perform specific functions, each of which is explained later in this section.
TIP: If a menu or toolbar option is gray/faded rather than colored/clear, it is not accessible at that time. You may need to have specific files open and/or be in the routing mode to access certain functions, or it may be accessible only if licensed for additional Appian software modules (ResourcePro, TerritoryPro, etc.).
File Menu
The File Menu (Alt+F) contains commands for opening, closing, and saving files in DirectRoute, as well as creating Upload and Extract Files, and generating Distance Files.
New (ALT+F+N): Open and create new files. Choose Route File, Stop File, Truck File, or Distance File. When using modules other than DirectRoute, additional options may be present (i.e. Schedule, Shipment File, Solution, Pool Point File, etc.).
Open (Ctrl+O): Open any existing or previously saved DirectRoute file. The file type, directory location, and file name can be chosen from the dialog box that appears.
Open Drawing: Open any drawing files that were previously created and saved in DirectRoute.
Save/Save As (Ctrl+S): Save any open file. To save as a new file or assign a new name, select Save As.
Save Drawing: Map drawings can be created to set boundaries, territories, or assign drivers, etc., then saved (with a .drw file extension) to use during the routing process. They can be used with more than one route file, and are editable.
Close All: Close all open files with one action.
Print (Ctrl+P): Print the Route Book, Map, Stop File, or Truck File. Select the file using the expanded menu (arrow).
Print Setup: Set up a printer/directory (print to file) to use with DirectRoute, change settings.
Preferences: Change program settings/configuration of data files. See Routing Preferences for additional information.
Generate Distance File: Without a Distance File, the software will use a straight-line distance and scale factor to calculate distances between stops. When a Distance File is generated, the miles calculated from the available mileage system will be used instead. See Generate a New Distance File for additional information.
Update Stop File: Update the Stop File with data from another Stop File.
Extract: Create a Stop File with an extract from an order management system.
Upload: When the routes have been finalized, create an Upload File that can be sent back to the order entry system for processing. See Creating Upload Files for additional information and instructions.
Upload to PeopleNet: Send stop, vehicle, and route information to the internet for use with an active PeopleNet license.
Export to DRTrack: Send route information to the internet for tracking of vehicles and routes through the DRTrack module (additional license required).
Recent Files/Recent Projects: Select recently viewed files and/or projects.
Recent User Data Directory: Quickly switch to and use another data directory that has been used recently, instead of switching via File > Preferences > File Names/Paths.
Exit (Alt+F4): Exit and close the program.
Edit Menu
The Edit Menu (Alt+E) is only displayed and available when one or more spreadsheet files (Stop or Truck File) are open. The options included in this menu are used to manipulate and edit the spreadsheet files, and for plotting (Geocoding) records on the map.
Cut (Ctrl+X): Move cells or cell content to another cell or spreadsheet; places cut data in the clipboard until it is pasted into another cell or discarded.
Copy (Ctrl+C): Copy cells or portions of cells from a spreadsheet to another cell or spreadsheet.
Paste/Paste Values (Ctrl+V): Paste cut or copied content into cells; use Paste Values to paste formula results (sums).
Template: Paste values or formulas into multiple cells within a spreadsheet; enables set up of Apply Defaults (enter changes in the sample spreadsheet, select Apply Defaults, then enter To Row and From Row to apply the new data).
Delete Records: Delete data from cells or rows.
Address Cleanup: Correct addresses and/or locate 9-digit Zip Codes; prepares records for Geocoding.
Geocode: Shortcut to the Geocode process; uses the address fields to locate Lat/Long coordinates of each record.
Statistics: Calculates summary statistics for records within the spreadsheet, or to records within drawings on the map.
Recalculate: Recalculate statistics. Use after changes have been made to valued cells.
Font: Select font style and size.
Apply Defaults: Sets default status for Time Windows, EqCodes, Unload Rates, Fixed Time, and Zone to a range of records on a Stop File.
Order Selection: Select and apply priority routing/delivery to records within the Stop File.
Query Builder: Build and save queried searches for records in the Stop File spreadsheet based on content values in the selected Stop Fields.
Stop Filter: Apply a temporary or permanent mass update to a selected Stop Field column on records found by a saved query.
ResourcePro Menu
The ResourcePro Menu provides access to functions using the ResourcePro Module (ref: ResourcePro Module). An additional license may be required.
Analysis Menu
The Analysis Menu launches the Scenario Manager tool when used for route modeling in conjunction with Transportation Modeler (additional license may be required).
DRTrack Menu
DRTrack is an optional Appian web-based GPS tracking program. If you have a DRTrack site, the DRTrack Menu provides several options to upload and download information from DirectRoute.
Upload/Download Account Master: Upload or download an Account Master File to/from DRTrack.
Upload/Download Truck Master: Upload or download a Truck Master File to/from DRTrack.
Upload/Download Email Accounts: Upload or download email accounts to/from DRTrack (If Email Manager is configured in DRTrack).
Export to DRTrack: Export a routing solution to DRTrack; routing solutions can be sent from DRTrack via web services to an ERP/WMS/OMS.
Export Master Routes to DRTrack: Enables the exporting of Master Routes to DRTrack.
Download Master Routes: Download Master Routes from DRTrack.
Note: See Import and Extract Records and Routing Preferences and Options Table for more info.
Window Menu
The Window Menu (Alt+W) enables switching between open files. A check mark identifies the current window view; select a window number to switch to another open window or use the shortcut, Ctrl+F6.
DirectRoute allows single or multiple files to be opened at any one time. Each open file will produce a labeled window tab. When multiple files are open, the active window will appear layered over the inactive windows.
To view one of the inactive window tabs, simply select the tab to bring it forward.
The software also enables alternate positioning of multiple windows/files when more than one is opened. As an example, when in the routing mode, with the Route Book, Stop File, and Truck File all open at the same time, you can position the various window tabs to enable viewing three or more files on the screen together.
Alternate positioning is simple to do; just grab the tab (with the mouse) of the window you want to move and drag it into the desired location.
TIP: Use Ctrl+F6 to move between windows.
Help Menu
The Help Menu (Alt+H) can be accessed at any time, from any screen, while using the software. Options listed provide valuable access to guidance and instructions, and important information concerning the software program and system in use.
Contents: Access the HTML Help File, for guidance and instructions on using DirectRoute.
Support: Contact information for Trimble MAPS Support, [email protected].
About: Identifies the DirectRoute (software) license #, version # and date, and primary application path in use by the operating system.
Tip: During customer service calls, you may be asked for the license number and version number of DirectRoute installed on your system in order to provide accurate resolution of issues.
