7-9 Minute Read
As 2024 comes to a close, we are proud to reflect on a year filled with product innovation, company growth, and the success of our valued customers who rely on our software every day. At Cool Running Software, our goal is to remain the leading choice for ice companies seeking to enhance their operational efficiency and overall effectiveness as a business.
This year, we introduced a range of powerful new features and updates to address the unique challenges of running an ice business. From integrating merchandiser volume sensor data into our mobile app to enhancing order scheduling with new seasonal capabilities, we have worked tirelessly to deliver tools that streamline operations, improve oversight, and empower our customers to excel in every aspect of their business.
Let’s take a closer look at how these new features are transforming the way ice companies operate and contributing to the success of our customers.
New Features Added in 2024
(Sorted By Date)
1. Delivery Comment Feature
(February 8th, 2024)
What It Does:
Drivers can now add a “delivery comment” at the end of each invoicing process, allowing them to capture important notes specific to the delivery. Each delivery comment can be viewed on the driver reconciliation report and stored in each location’s sales history for future reference.
Why It Matters:
This feature is designed to promote clear communication between drivers, office admins, and customers by providing a space for delivery-specific details. Whether it’s noting customer feedback, reporting an issue, or documenting specific delivery instructions, the “Delivery Comment” feature keeps everyone informed and on the same page.
2. Fixes To The Process For Alternative Location Addresses
(March 12th, 2024)
What It Does:
When a specific order has a different delivery address than the customer’s primary address, the mobile app will now display that alternative address for the order. This makes sure that drivers are directed to the correct location without confusion.
Why It Matters:
This update streamlines the delivery process for customers with multiple locations or special delivery requirements. By making sure that drivers see the correct address for each order, it reduces errors, saves time, and enhances overall delivery accuracy—ultimately improving the customer experience.
3. Access To Web Panel From Cool Running Driver
(May 7th, 2024)
What It Does:
Drivers can now log in to the web software through the “Log Into Web Panel” option in the “Profile” settings. Clicking this button takes them directly to the login screen on coolrunningsoftware.biz, providing seamless access to administrative tools and reports without needing to switch devices or platforms.
Why It Matters:
This feature is perfect for admins who also handle deliveries, giving them an effortless way to maintain oversight of their business while on the road. By enabling quick access to administrative tools directly from the delivery app, it ensures flexibility and efficiency in managing day-to-day operations—no matter where they are.
4. View Merchandiser Volume Sensor Data in Cool Running Driver
(May 20th, 2024)
What It Does:
This feature integrates merchandiser volume sensor data directly into the Cool Running Driver App. Drivers can now access real-time inventory levels, providing critical insights before arriving at each location.
Why It Matters:
This tool boosts delivery efficiency by enabling drivers to plan routes more effectively and eliminate unnecessary trips to “check” merchandisers. By keeping drivers informed and minimizing wasted time, this feature increases productivity and helps make your ice business more profitable.
5. Email Notification For Stops “Marked For Deletion”
(August 23th, 2024)
What It Does:
Admins now receive email alerts whenever a driver flags a sale for deletion in the Cool Running Driver App at the end of their day. Each notification is tied to the specific driver for that day, providing instant oversight and accountability.
Why It Matters:
This feature helps reduce errors in your accounting process by keeping admins informed of flagged sales as they occur. Email notifications allow for immediate review and action, ensuring accurate records while holding your delivery driver accountable.
6. Improved Truck Inventory Tracking in Cool Running Driver
(September 20th, 2024)
What It Does:
This enhancement to the existing inventory tracker in the Cool Running Driver App provides drivers with more detailed insights into their truck’s inventory levels. The system now displays whether there is a “Surplus” or “Shortage”, helping drivers determine if they have enough ice to complete their route. Stops on the route will appear in pink/red if there isn’t enough inventory to fulfill an order.
Why It Matters:
This update helps drivers stay better informed about their inventory levels, making sure they are prepared to make every delivery on their route. By addressing shortages and surpluses in real time, drivers can avoid missed deliveries, maintain accurate inventory records, and maximize the inventory left on their truck at the end of each day.
7. New Seasonal “Schedule Builder” Tool
(Launched on Nov 9th, 2024) & (Added Seasonal Route Templates on Nov 16th, 2024)
What It Does:
Previously known as the “Schedule Manager,” the updated Schedule Builder introduces season-specific scheduling and integrates with the Route Templates tool. Ice companies can now create customized auto-order schedules for different seasons and link them to seasonal route templates. Switching between schedules is quick and easy, allowing businesses to easily transition through the seasons & adapt on the fly.
Why It Matters:
Seasonal demand fluctuations are a significant challenge for ice businesses. This update provides the tools needed to efficiently manage auto-ordering schedules and delivery routes year-round. By aligning seasonal schedules with Route Templates, businesses minimize the time spent making manual changes, easily change their delivery strategies & maximize year-round profitability
8. Restrict Sales To Loaded Inventory (System Setting)
(December 16th, 2024)
What It Does:
When this setting is enabled, drivers will not be able to process sales if the sales volume exceeds the inventory loaded onto their truck.
How To Enable:
Navigate to: Admin -> Settings -> Mobile Devices
Why It Matters:
This feature enables accurate inventory tracking and prevents overselling, promoting accountability among your drivers. It helps maintain proper inventory levels and ensures that deliveries are made with the correct quantities.
9. Allow For Product Returns (System Setting)
(December 16th, 2024)
What It Does:
This new server setting allows administrators to enable or disable the ability for drivers to process product returns on customer invoices.
How To Enable:
Navigate to: Admin -> Settings -> Mobile Devices
Why It Matters:
This feature gives administrators greater control over return policies, helping to reduce unauthorized or unnecessary returns. It makes sure that product returns are processed only when approved, improving inventory management and overall accountability.
10. Multilingual Printing In Cool Running Driver
(December 16th, 2024)
What It Does:
Drivers can now print receipts in a language different from the operating language of the app. For example, a driver can operate the app in Spanish but print receipts in English for the customer.
Language Available:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Additional languages can be added upon request.
Why It Matters:
This feature improves usability for non-English-speaking drivers and enhances customer communication. By supporting multilingual printing, it allows your team to operate more efficiently in diverse markets while meeting customer preferences.
Other Accomplishments in 2024
The December update to the Cool Running Driver App was designed with two key goals in mind: to make your drivers’ days on the road easier and to provide you, as an ice business owner, the flexibility needed to effectively manage your delivery drivers. Every tool in our delivery app—both the new features and those already in place—have been carefully crafted to integrate seamlessly into the rest of the tools available in Cool Running Software.
Data Penetration Test: We conducted a comprehensive penetration test to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. This proactive approach ensures your business data is safeguarded against cyber threats, giving you peace of mind over all your critical business data.
UI Enhancements for Better Usability: We rolled out updates to our user interface, making the software even more intuitive for both drivers and administrators. These changes were driven by user feedback and focused on simplifying workflows and improving navigation.
New Operational Reports: We added several new reporting capabilities, providing ice companies with deeper insights into their operations. From driver productivity reports to more insights into each location pricing, sales summaries & more, these reports empower you to make data-driven decisions that drive success. Click Here For More Info on Ice Industry Specific Reports
Expanded Support For Merchandiser Volume Sensors: Cool Running Software now supports the integration of volume sensor data from RouteIce, AirData IoT & IceQ. By expanding our supported volume sensors, we aim to continue to help ice companies manage their customers & improve delivery efficiency.
Latest Delivery App Update: December marked the release of our latest feature-packed mobile app update. Version 1.0.113 introduced game-changing improvements like multilingual printing, new system settings for your drivers & an enhanced user experience built with driver efficiency in mind. Click Here For More Info on CR Driver 1.0.113
*Version 1.0.114 is the latest of Cool Running Driver but contained just minor bug fixes for Version 1.0.113
These updates reflect our commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that we are the best choice for any ice company looking to grow their business.
Looking Ahead To 2025
As we wrap up 2024, we’re already planning for the next wave of innovation in 2025. New features and updates are on the horizon, designed to further enhance the way you run your ice business and keep you ahead of the competition.
To make sure you are always getting the most out of Cool Running Software, now is the perfect time to review & implement these new features into your business operations. We encourage our current customers to reach out and schedule an end-of-year meeting to review how your team is utilizing our software. This is a great opportunity to make sure you’re maximizing its potential and setting your business up for success in 2025.
Schedule your Year-In-Review meeting today, a personalized session to assess your business processes, unlock new opportunities, and ensure you’re fully leveraging Cool Running Software for your ice business.
Start Taking Advantage of Cool Running Software Today
2024 has been a year of innovation and growth for Cool Running Software and our valued customers. We’re thrilled to share these advancements and highlight all that Cool Running Software has to offer for businesses seeking to enhance their day-to-day operations.
If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your business, there’s never been a better time to join the many ice companies worldwide already benefiting from Cool Running Software.
Take The Next Step:
- Schedule a Demo: Discover how our software can be customized to meet your business needs and bring efficiency to your operations.
- Contact Us Directly: Have questions? Email us at iceguy@coolrunningsoftware.com for personalized support.
Click below to get started and see how Cool Running Software can set your business up for success in 2025!
