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• Company Overview
• Products and Modules
• RouteMatch Services
• Core Technology
• Hosting Services
• System Requirements
• Buying our Products and Services

› Company Overview

How long have you been in business and why were you formed?

RouteMatch Software was founded June 1999 and officially incorporated on
January 1, 2000. RouteMatch Software was established to develop industry-leading
software products that solve many of the challenges faced by private and public demand-response and paratransit systems.

Where are you located? Do you have any other offices in different regions?

RouteMatch is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with offices in Washington, Colorado, Iowa,
Kansas, Massachusetts, Texas, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

How many clients do you currently have?

RouteMatch Software is currently being implemented nationally in over 38 states,
representing over 200 transportation agencies/companies…..and still growing.

› RouteMatch Products and Modules

What products/services do you offer?

RouteMatch provides a complete set of applications that address the following:

RouteMatch also offers high-quality customer support and software maintenance, as well
as a range of professional services for planning, analysis, and technology development.

What additional modules do you support? How difficult are they to integrate into the
products we purchase?

RouteMatch has developed additional complementary modules that will seamlessly and
easily integrate into our software as the needs and requirements of our clients grow.
These modules include Fixed-Route Integration, Automated Vehicle Location (AVL),
Mobile Data Computers (MDCs), Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Accidents, Complaints, Web Portal, and the Transportation Coordination module.

How many standard reports do you offer?

RouteMatch uses the industry-standard “Crystal Reports” as its report engine. Many of
our standard reports are flexible, created by entering a date range or other criterion that
allows the end user to produce very specific or system-wide results. RouteMatch offers
more than 30 standard reports such as:

How can we get additional custom reports?

Customized reports can be created by RouteMatch or by the agency using “Crystal
Reports Designer.” By using Crystal Reports Designer, users can build their own reports,
which will be available each time the software is opened.

Do you have an ad-hoc report generator?

RouteMatch Software incorporates a wizard-driven, ad hoc report generator that makes
building custom reports very simple. Users can simply select the type of report to be
used, the information they would like to see, and how the information should be filtered,
sorted, and titled. The report can then be saved as a public or private report for future
use. This feature allows users to build an unlimited number of reports with no assistance
or additional fees from RouteMatch.

Does your scheduling and routing algorithm generate accurate and realistic
schedules? How?

The proliferation of GIS technology and the sophistication of logistic algorithms have ushered in a new type of solution for automated scheduling and routing.  Developed by RouteMatch Software, the RouteMatch Scheduling Engine (RSE) utilizes GIS data, mathematical principles and intelligent software to make what was once a complex process quick and easy¾and incredibly accurate.

To produce a schedule and route, RSE utilizes GIS data down to the lowest levels of granularity.  Using the “real street network” provided by GIS, RSE references the configuration of the street network and the topology of a geographic area to accurately estimate driving times and appropriate routes.
 
All road conditions that will impact the driving time are considered by RSE: one-way streets, no turning lanes, road construction, interchanges and ramps, surface streets vs. interstates and topography such as mountains.   Most important, RSE takes into account speed limits.  Each segment of a street has a specific speed limit, which is a critical factor in determining how long it will take to complete a pick-up and drop-off.

When RSE is installed, the GIS data set is already integrated, containing the street network topology.  Annually, the GIS data set is updated to ensure that data is current and reflects ever-changing road conditions.

To read more about the RouteMatch Scheduling Engine, click here.

What is “optimization”?

Optimizing schedules and routes is a subjective process. Each provider has a different set
of priorities and goals for its transportation operation. Some providers focus on reducing
vehicle mileage and using less gas, while others emphasize improving customer service.
Consequently, when one talks about route and schedule optimization, each provider will
have a different definition of what “optimization” really means.  But no matter what “optimization” means to our customers, our software can meet those needs.

I have heard of a concept called “triangulation.” What does this mean and is it
different than what your Website describes as “real street network” routing and
scheduling?

Rather than using information about the actual street network, “triangulation” determines
trip times by calculating the straight-line distance between the pick-up point (Point A)
and the drop-off point (Point B). Next, an arbitrary “fudge factor” is incorporated to
estimate the amount of time for the vehicle to actually traverse the street network
between Point A and Point B. Then, a third point (Point C) is established between Points
A and B to produce a visual image of a triangle. The total trip time is then estimated to
consist of the times to travel between Point A and hypothetical Point C, and from there to
Point B. Naturally, this method is highly unrealistic since it does not take into account
any road conditions along the way: speed limits, one-way streets, surface streets versus
interstates, geographic obstacles, etc.

In contrast, the real street network used in RSE considers one-way streets, “no turning”
lanes, road construction, interchanges and ramps, surface streets versus interstates, and
topography such as mountains. Most importantly, RSE takes into account speed limits.
Each segment of a street has a specific speed limit, which is a critical factor in
determining how long it will take to complete a pick-up and drop-off.

When RSE is installed, the GIS data set is already integrated, containing the street
network topology. Annually, the GIS data set is updated to ensure that data is current and
reflects ever-changing road conditions.

To read more about the RouteMatch Scheduling Engine, click here.

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› RouteMatch Services
 
What is your typical implementation like?

The implementation process consists of installing the software, providing user training,
and migrating to (or “going live” with) the RouteMatch application in a production mode.
A typical implementation usually lasts eight weeks, starting with a notice to proceed and
finishing with the migration to technical support.

Do you provide on-site training and consulting?

Implementation of the RouteMatch application and Application Training go hand-in-hand
and are conducted during three site visits. The various levels of training are customized
and applied according to the individual user needs and roles. The training program is
organized into various levels including system basics, advanced user, and management
training.

Do you provide technical support and maintenance? How would we get upgrades,
service releases, and patches?

RouteMatch offers a comprehensive technical support and maintenance program, which
is available to all RouteMatch Software licensees. As an “in-house warranty service”
offering, RouteMatch provides the technical support and maintenance program free of
charge for the initial twelve (12) months.

RouteMatch is committed to serving and responding to our user community. This
commitment is apparent in our customer support services, which have the goal of
promoting your success with our software. We also welcome your feedback on how our
products can be improved to better meet your operational needs. To assure your long-
term success in using RouteMatch’s software products, our customer support subscribers
can take advantage of the following services:

› Core Technology
 
Can I use a Web-browser with an Internet connection to use your solutions?

RouteMatch can host the software as an Application Service Provider (ASP). In this
model, the entire application, including the database and data, resides on an off-site,
secure server and is accessed through the Internet using a Web browser with secure
passwords and user names. RouteMatch would be responsible for ensuring all servers are
maintained and operational. This option would resolve all connectivity and sharing
issues, while reducing hardware requirements for all users. Users would only need an
Internet connection and browser. Additionally, the ASP model would provide reduced on-site
IT support for the hosting site, increased security, increased performance stability, and
immediate scalability to other potential providers in the future.

What is Geographic Information System (GIS) technology?

GIS, developed by ESRI, is the underlying foundation of all RouteMatch products and
modules. RouteMatch incorporates and integrates ESRI GIS technologies into our
products to locate customer addresses, calculate travel times, produce driver directions,
and deliver detailed route maps. To be useful, maps need to convey detailed information
and getting the cartography correct is a critical aspect of transportation management.

Is our GIS data included with your products?

Yes, your entire service area’s data is included with all of our products.

What is the RouteMatch Scheduling Engine™ (RSE)?

RSE is the most advanced scheduling and routing algorithm on the market. It is the
cornerstone of our RouteMatch PM™ and TS™ products. Utilizing the real street
network, RSE produces accurate vehicle schedules and routes by taking into account vital
information, such as speed limits, one-way streets, traffic congestions, and travel times.
RSE allows users to simultaneously increase daily transportation capacity and reduce
operating costs per vehicle. This technology makes triangulation and other methods
obsolete.

To read more about the RouteMatch Scheduling Engine, click here.

What is Global Positioning System (GPS)?

GPS is a radio navigation system that allows users to determine their exact location and
time 24 hours a day, in all weather conditions, anywhere in the world. If the receiver is
equipped with a display screen that shows a map, the position can be shown on the map.
If you are moving, your receiver may also be able to calculate your speed and direction of
travel, and give you estimated times of arrival to specified destinations. Simply add our
RouteMatch AVL module to gain the advanced functionality of GPS and vehicle
tracking.

What are Mobile Data/Wireless Communications (MDC) and Computers?

RouteMatch products can be integrated into mobile data communications and remote
devices, such as vehicle terminals, computers, two-way pages, and cellular phones. We
have partnered with leading mobile device manufacturers and wireless providers to offer
a seamless solution for quick and efficient implementations.

What is an Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) System?

RouteMatch products can provide real-time tracking and monitoring of your vehicles.
Simply add our RouteMatch AVL Module to gain the advanced functionality of GPS and
vehicle tracking.

How can I integrate into other technologies and modules?

RouteMatch has developed additional modules that are seamlessly and easily integrated
into our software as the needs and requirements of our clients grow.

RouteMatch’s Database Engine is built on MS SQL Server and is an open, non-
proprietary database. Customers can use other products, such as MS Access and Excel,
to access data and easily integrate databases from other applications for complete
enterprise, database management.

I have heard that open-systems and architectures are very important.  How important are they really?

Our architecture is scalable, allowing us to grow and meet your long-term needs.
Customers can utilize our software via the Web (ASP) or at the desktop. From the start,
usability and maintenance have been key considerations in our design. We never waver
from following the best practices of software development.

Do you integrate into ArcView and other ESRI products?

RouteMatch is an authorized developer, reseller, consultant, and systems integrator with
ESRI. Therefore, RouteMatch is constantly striving to develop and incorporate the latest
GIS and logistics technology into its products. The software is GIS-based, using ESRI
technology. The system can be used with ESRI’s ArcView or Arc/Info systems and other
mapping and analysis tools.


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› Hosting Services
 
What is an Application Service Provider?

RouteMatch can host the software as an Application Service Provider (ASP). In this
model, the entire application, including the database and data, resides on an off-site,
secure server and is accessed through the Internet using a Web browser with secure
passwords and user names. RouteMatch would be responsible for ensuring all servers are
maintained and operational. This option would resolve all connectivity and sharing
issues, while reducing hardware requirements for all users. Users would only need an
Internet connection and browser. Additionally, the ASP would provide reduced on-site
IT support for the hosting site, increased security, increased performance stability, and
immediate scalability to other potential providers in the future.
 

› System Requirements


-PDF Download: Recommended System Requirements.

-PDF Download: Minimum System Requirements.

› Buying RouteMatch Software Products and Services
 
How do I contact a salesperson to assist me with purchasing RouteMatch products?

In order to contact us for additional information and answers to your questions, please fill
out an online “Information Request”, send an email to sales@routematch.com, or call us at 888-840-8791.

Does RouteMatch provide a demonstration CD or online demonstration?

At this time, RouteMatch does not provide a CD due to the complexity and ever-
changing aspects of our software. We do, however, provide online demonstrations that
allows you, and other people within your agency, to view a hands-on demonstration. The
demonstration lasts approximately 30 minutes and requires you to have Internet access.
RouteMatch staff will also answer questions while you view our application. You may also
register for our free webinars (online seminars) at http://www.routematch.com/Webinars/index.asp.