We have often been asked if CDXZipStream can apportion a large number of destinations into individual routes, then optimize the order of stops along each of these routes.  Unfortunately the route optimization function of CDXZipStream, which relies on the use of Microsoft MapPoint, is not sophisticated enough to do this kind of calculation.  The vast number of permutations that could occur here requires a lot of computational muscle, and if there are rules (such as geographic constraints) that must be followed in apportioning the destinations, these must be programmed into the selection process as well.

But this is also a case where the human eye and a little brain power, with some help from Microsoft MapPoint, can compete pretty well with even the more sophisticated (and expensive) software.  The trick is to be able to quickly and easily visualize and manage the data, which is right up MapPoint’s alley.   So let’s get started.

Let’s say we have a list of 100 destinations, which we need to divide into 10 routes (of about 10 destinations each), followed by optimization of each route.     First we import all the destinations into MapPoint using the data import wizard available from the “Data” menu on the MapPoint toolbar:

From here you can then select the Excel file that contains the destination list; you can also select other file types here such as text or Access database files.  After selecting the desired file, you will also be asked to select the appropriate worksheet (assuming the file was an Excel workbook). Then click “Next”, and you’ll see a MapPoint dialog like this:

You can also choose to import data beyond just address information, which may be useful if this data is part of the decision-making process in apportioning routes.  (You can display all information associated with a destination by right-clicking on it later on the MapPoint map.)  Click on “Finish”, then select the pushpin map type in the next dialog:

Once the data is displayed as pushpins in MapPoint, you can use MapPoint drawing tools to apportion the data into routes.  The freeform tool was used to draw the area below:

You may also want to try the radius tool so you can specify the radius distance of the area.  Once an area has been drawn, right-click on the area boundary line and select “Import to Excel”.  You’ll immediately see all the points within the area in an Excel spreadsheet, ready to optimize with the CDXZipStream function CDXRouteMP.  You can also cut and paste these points into our Route Optimization template, available for free download from our links page.

This technique may not be appropriate in cases where there are many criteria for apportioning routes.  In the case above, we used logical boundaries to define the route area, such major highways and the river to the northwest.  (This is very easy for us humans to do, but can be pretty complicated for a computer.)   As mentioned previously, you can also import other data into the spreadsheet which can be used as criteria in apportioning.   This data can be displayed by right-clicking on a destination on the map, or even better, can be used to define the appearance of the destinations when selecting the map type, by selecting options such as color-coded pushpins or sized or shaded areas.  

Keep in mind that before optimizing each defined route, you may need to modify the beginning and end point destinations.  CDXZipStream assumes these points are fixed and only optimizes the order of the intermediate points.   In the majority of cases this assumption works, but you may also want to add one or more addresses that represent the true beginning and end points if they fall outside the area you just defined in MapPoint.

For more information on using CDXStreamer for route optimization, please watch the following tutorials:

Route Optimization in Excel

Route Optimization with One Click

There are currently eight versions of CDXZipStream, our Microsoft Excel add-in for zip code, address, and route analysis.  Due to the broad spectrum of functionality of CDXZipStream, we’ve purposely created these versions to allow our customers to pick and choose the one that best fits their needs.  With the release of CDXZipStream 11.0 late last year we’d like to provide in today’s blog an updated review of the functionality of each version, to help you decide which one is right for you.  You can also refer to this reference table for a shorthand comparison.

Note:  We also offer a Canadian postal code database which is compatible with most CDXZipStream functionality.  Please refer to this article for more information about accessing Canadian data with CDXZipstream, or our FAQ page.)

Here are the eight versions and what they can do, along with relevant video tutorials:

FindZip:  Contains basic zip code data, and can also perform reverse zip code lookups and create zip code lists by state (or province if you have also purchased the Canadian database), county (for the U.S. only), and city.  Basic zip code data covers city, county and state name, latitude and longitude, and region (one of four regions in the U.S. as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce.)

Reference:  Zip Code Finder in Excel

Lite:  Provides all the basic zip code information of the FindZip Version (basic data by zip code, reverse zip code lookup, and list generation) as well as zip code calculation functions:  it can calculate the distance between zip codes, find all zip codes within a radius distance of a central zip code, and find the closest zip code to a target zip. 

Reference:  Find Zip Codes in a Radius

MapPoint:  Provides all the basic zip code information of the FindZip Version (basic data by zip code, reverse zip code lookup, and list generation), but also has all the mapping and routing functions provided by Microsoft MapPoint, including creation of radius, location, drive time, and route maps, calculating driving time and distance, and route optimization.  It can also geocode (find latitude and longitude) for a location, and reverse geocode, as well as calculate the distance between two points of latitude and longitude.  In general, this CDXZipStream version is best suited for those requiring driving distance calculations, route optimization, and/or latitude and longitude determination.  Please note that CDXZipStream MapPoint requires separate purchase of Microsoft MapPoint, and is compatible with both North American and European versions.

Reference:  Driving Distance Calculator in Excel

Basic:  Contains all the functionality of Lite and MapPoint versions, including basic zip code data, the ability to perform reverse zip code lookups and create lists by state, as well as zip code calculation functions:  it can calculate the distance between zip codes, find all zip codes within a radius distance of a central zip, and find the closest zip to a target.  It also includes all mapping and routing functions, including creation of radius, location, drive time, and routing maps, calculating driving time and distance, and route optimization.  It can geocode (find latitude and longitude) for a location, and reverse geocode, as well as calculate the distance between points of latitude and longitude.  CDXZipStream Basic is primarily used by those who require both extensive zip code functionality as well as driving and routing calculations supplied by MapPoint.

CDXZipStream MapPoint requires separate purchase of Microsoft MapPoint, and is compatible with both North American and European versions.

Reference:  Driving Distance Calculator in Excel, Geocoder in Excel

The next four versions also include demographic data.  For a detailed description of the data available in these versions, please refer to data fields information.

Population:  Contains basic zip code data, and can also perform reverse zip code lookups and create zip code lists by state (or province if you have also purchased the Canadian database), county (for the U.S. only), and city.  Basic zip code data covers city, county and state name, latitude and longitude, and region (one of four regions in the U.S. as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce.)   Population counts from the 2000 Census and current population estimates are also covered.

Demographics:  Contains basic zip code data, and can also perform reverse zip code lookups and create zip code lists by state (or province if you have also purchased the Canadian database), county (for the U.S. only), and city.  Basic zip code data covers city, county and state name, latitude and longitude, and region (one of four regions in the U.S. as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce.)   Demographic data included are population counts from the 2000 Census and current population estimates, as well as premium zip code data from sources such as the 2010 Census, 2009 Business Census, and the U.S. Postal Service.

Reference:  Demographic Data in Excel

Premium:  Contains all the functionality of Lite and MapPoint versions, including basic zip code data, the ability to perform reverse zip code lookups and create lists by state, as well as zip code calculation functions:  it can calculate the distance between zip codes, find all zip codes within a radius distance of a central zip, and find the closest zip to a target.  It also includes all mapping and routing functions, including creation of radius, location, drive time, and routing maps, calculating driving time and distance, and route optimization.  It can geocode (find latitude and longitude) for a location, and reverse geocode, as well as calculate the distance between points of latitude and longitude.  Demographic data included are population counts from the 2000 Census and current population estimates, as well as premium zip code data from sources such as the 2010 Census, 2009 Business Census, and the U.S. Postal Service.  Additional data feeds include demographics by area code, city, county, state, and CBSA (Core Based Statistical Area), and an extensive demographic feeds of social and economic variables from the 2000 and 2010 Census.

This version, when used for driving distance calculations and route optimization, requires separate purchase of Microsoft MapPoint, and is compatible with both North American and European versions.

Premium ACS:  Contains all the functionality and data of the Premium version, plus demographic data from the American Community Survey.  Covers basic zip code data, the ability to perform reverse zip code lookups and create lists by state, as well as zip code calculation functions:  it can calculate the distance between zip codes, find all zip codes within a radius distance of a central zip, and find the closest zip to a target.  It also includes all mapping and routing functions, including creation of radius, location, drive time, and routing maps, calculating driving time and distance, and route optimization.  It can geocode (find latitude and longitude) for a location, and reverse geocode, as well as calculate the distance between points of latitude and longitude.  Demographic data included are population counts from the 2000 Census and current population estimates, as well as premium zip code data from sources such as the 2010 Census, 2009 Business Census, and the U.S. Postal Service.  Additional data feeds include demographics by area code, city, county, state, and CBSA (Core Based Statistical Area), and an extensive demographic feeds of social and economic variables from the 2000 and 2010 Census.  Finally, 5-year aggregated data from the annual American Community Survey is provided in data feeds by city (place), county, state, and Core Based Statistical Area (CBSA).   Note that the ACS is administered by the U.S. Census Bureau, and replaces the old long form that was phased out after the 2000 Census.  It contains earnings data and other social and economic information that are not currently covered by the 10-year census. 

This version, when used for driving distance calculations and route optimization, requires separate purchase of Microsoft MapPoint, and is compatible with both North American and European versions.

Reference:  Census Records in Microsoft Excel

Our Microsoft Excel add-in for zip code and location-based analysis, CDXZipStream, is available for download in a free 30-day demo version that allows our clients to “try before you buy”.  We want our clients to have a good understanding of what our software can (and sometimes, can’t) do to help their organizations better connect with their own clients and customers; although there are some limitations of the demo, we’ve carefully designed it to effectively show off the features and functionality of the full-version software.

For example, all features of all CDXZipstream versions are enabled in the demo.  This includes all data feeds and all right-click functions, such as functions that perform radius analysis, route optimization, geocoding and reverse geocoding, and zip code list generation.  

There are general calculation limits of the demo, however, of 1000 per function per Excel session.  This applies for both custom functions that grab demographic data (such as CDXZipCode) and right-click functions such as CDXDistance and CDXRouteMP.  The CDXRadius function is limited to analyses of 50 miles or less, and the CDXZiplist function is limited to 1000 returned values.  For the data feeds, the premium demographic versions are limited to four select zip codes, and for those selected zips, the corresponding CBSA, county, and state.

The CDXZipStream demo version is of course compatible with the 60-day free trial version of MapPoint (North American or Europe), and can be evaluated within our free downloadable templates for performing radius analysis, route optimization, geocoding, reverse geocoding, and driving distance calculations.

Also worth noting: the CDXZipStream demo does not have any unwanted add-ons that load to your computer.  We’ve noticed lately a trend among “free” software that will do anything from hijacking your browser to installing new media players.  It’s all probably spelled out in the fine print, but at the end of the day this is an unethical practice we refuse to participate in. 

And finally, after trying the demo and purchasing the version of your choice, we also offer an unconditional, 30-day return policy.  We truly want our clients to consider CDXZipStream as a high-benefit, no-risk software that can support your organization’s needs around zip code and location-based analysis. So please “try before you buy” CDXZipStream in demo form– it really is cost (and risk) – free.

In the past we’ve mentioned customization services for our Microsoft Excel add-in CDXZipStream, and we’d like to take the opportunity here to discuss some examples of how customization may help better support your business needs around address, zip code, and data analysis in general. 

Do a One-Time Analysis:  

Need to use CDXZipStream functionality just once?  If you are not interested in purchasing the software for continuing use, we can provide the hard data that fills your specific need.  This is often an economically attractive alternative, particularly in lieu of the more expensive demographic versions of CDXZipStream.     

Get a Custom Excel Template:  

We can build pre-formatted templates that perform specific tasks around existing CDXZipStream functions, often combining multiple functions from CDXZipStream and Excel to get the final required answer.  Tasks can usually be fully automated so that after data entry, a simple click of a button is all that’s required of the user.  We currently offer free, downloadable templates that perform basic analyses, such as geocoding (getting latitude/longitude data), route optimization, radius analysis, and more.  But if you have a more complex task, consider a customized template.  This is also a great option if you need to standardize CDXZipStream applications for less experienced Excel users.

Please refer to the following tutorials to see our standard templates in action.  We can modify any of these templates to fit your particular needs:

- Route Optimization with One Click

- Driving Distance and Time Calculations in an Excel Template

- Driving Distance and Time for a Matrix of Addresses

- Zip Code Radius Analsysis in an Excel Template

- Get Latitude and Longitude for Addresses in Excel

- Reverse Geocode Template for Microsoft Excel

Apply CDXZipStream Beyond Excel:  

We’ve reviewed in a past blog post the basic programming code that allows CDXZipStream to be applied to other Office applications beyond Excel.  This code is not proprietary and we invite our clients to use it as they please.   Not into programming?  Let us do it for you, and get CDXZipStream functionality, ranging from route optimization to radius analysis, exactly where you need it.

Use CDXZipStream with a Custom DataBase:

We’ve designed CDXZipStream around the use of address, zip code, and demographic data, but the concept of selectively taking data from a local database and putting it in Excel with custom functions can be applied to a wide variety of data needs.  Whether you have a private database you would like to use more efficiently through a spreadsheet platform, or want to mine a commercially available set of data that we don’t currently include in our own feeds, we can build a version of CDXZipStream that will work for you, using our patented interface.  Some types of custom databases include:

- Commercial address or postal code databases for countries other than the U.S. or Canada

- Census data for specialized demographics not now included in CDXZipStream

- Proprietary customer data

- Demographics by other geographies, such as voting districts, school districts, urban growth areas, etc.

For more information about CDXZipStream customization, or to request a free quote, contact us at 1-877-CDX-TEC1 (239-8312) or customsolutions@CDXTech.com.

We’re going to review today a special feature of the CDXZipStream Optimized Route template that allows you to send a list of optimized stops to your vehicle GPS, using something called a GPX data file.  Despite the ominous-sounding acronyms used in the previous sentence, this is really a pretty simple process that can save you lots of time as compared to manually entering locations into your GPS.

First, we need to back up a bit and talk about what CDXZipStream, our Microsoft Excel add-in for address and zip code analysis, does when it performs route optimization.   Let’s say you own a business that delivers a product or service to a list of locations that can change on a daily basis, and each morning you need to determine the best or optimized route between these locations in order to save time, money, and fuel.  Just list these locations in Microsoft Excel, and CDXZipStream, working in conjunction with Microsoft MapPoint running in the background, can re-order these stops to achieve either the shortest (by distance) or quickest (by time) route.   CDXZipStream combines the ease of using Microsoft Excel coupled with the mapping and routing power of MapPoint, and delivers the answer you need typically in just a few seconds.  For a quick tutorial, please see Route Optimization in Excel showing how to use CDXZipStream for route optimization:

As previously mentioned, we also offer a pre-formatted and automated Excel template that performs route optimization.  The user just inputs their route locations, clicks a button, and the desired output is returned to the worksheet.   The template is free, works in Microsoft Excel 2003 and up, and can be evaluated with free trials of CDXZipStream and Microsoft MapPoint.  You can download it from our links page, and see it in action in the tutorial Route Optimization with One Click. 

The results from this template can also be exported to a GPX file and input to your fleet’s GPS.  Just click on the “Export to File” button on the Optimized Route worksheet and then name the file to save it on your computer.  GPX stands for “GPS eXchange format” and GPS is “Global Positioning System.”   Each GPX file created by the CDXZipStream template will contain the address and latitude/longitude of each stop, in its optimized order.  Since GPX is a data format that allows for the exchange of location and route information between different applications and devices, it can be used or converted to a similar format, that can be plugged into your vehicle GPS.   Here’s an example of what a GPX file looks like for a route of five locations in New York City:

If you’re familiar with data exchange files you may have noticed that this looks a lot like an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file, and that’s exactly what it is, albeit formatted for the exchange of location-based data such as latitude and longitude.  But if this looks like Greek to you, no worries, the file contains all the information you need about your route with no manual modification required by you.

(Note:  If desired, you can create a GPX file without going through the route optimization process.  Just input your address list directly in the template, in column G of the Optimized Route worksheet, and press “Export to File”.   The GPX file will be generated with corresponding latitude and longitude data for each location.  The order of the addresses will remain unchanged.)

The next step is dependent upon the manufacturer of your GPS.  To import the GPX file into a Garmin or Magellan GPS, these manufacturers provide free communications software that can be downloaded from their websites at the following links:  

Garmin Communicator Plug-In

Magellan Communicator for PC

For other manufacturers please refer to the support section of their website for further information.

As an excellent general resource for the use of GPX files, we also recommend the website topografix.com.

CDXZipStream, our Excel add-in for address, zip code, and route analysis, has a licensing agreement that is significantly different (in a good way!) from most other software.  Understanding that CDXZipStream contains a number of functions for route planning and optimization, it makes sense to allow our users to install it on multiple computers.  For example, you can plan and optimize a route on your desktop, then follow the directions for the optimized route on a laptop in your car.  For very long calculations, it is also helpful to use a secondary desktop or laptop so your main computer is not tied up.  Since the CDXZipStream license is provided per user, you won’t have to buy multiple licenses to do this; each CDXZipStream license comes with three key codes, allowing you to install it on three separate computers.  

To set up CDXZipStream on a new computer simply download and install the CDXZipStream demo on the new computer.  When installation is complete and Microsoft Excel opens, press the third button on the CDXZipStream toolbar named "License Information and Software Updates". (If you are using Excel 2007 or 2010, the CDXZipStream toolbar is located under the "Add-Ins" menu.) Then press the "Buy Now" button followed by pressing "Generate KeyCode" and log into our web site using the username and password you received with your original purchase.  If you did not retain your original purchase information please contact us at support@cdxtech.com

A web page allowing you to generate a new keycode should appear with your new Computer ID automatically entered. This Computer ID is unique for each PC and your registration code is based on it. Then press "Next" to generate your new registration key.

Copy your new keycode from the box that appears and then press the "x" in the upper right corner and minimize your browser. Then paste the copied code into the "Keycode" section of the "CDXZipStream Purchase and Registration" box and press "OK". (This is the box where you pressed the "Generate Keycode" button.) CDXZipStream will now be fully activated on your computer.

Your online account can also be used to purchase data updates or upgrade your product to a more powerful version.  A history of all data purchases is maintained in the "Download Data Files" section.

Our license does not permit sharing with other users on additional machines.  We do require that multiple users purchase multiple licenses.  Each CDXZipStream license will be registered under a person’s name, which can be displayed by clicking on the “License Information and Software Updates” button on the main CDXZipStream toolbar.  Also shown is the number of licenses associated with the name.   If the name needs to be transferred, such as in cases where an employee has left an organization, please contact us at support@ cdxtech.com.  We also offer generous volume discounts of up to 20% for 10 licenses; please contact us for details if you need more than 10 licenses.  

Our address and zip code analyzer, CDXZipStream, includes a function called CDXRouteMP that performs a wide variety of tasks involving driving calculations, including route optimization.  We’d like to summarize here the variety of output information CDXRouteMP currently provides since it’s grown to be quite a substantial list that not all of our users may be familiar with.

First, let’s take a quick look at all the route calculation choices available through the input box.  This can be accessed by right-clicking on any cell in your Excel worksheet, then selecting CDXRouteMP from the CDXZipStream functions list:

Route calculations based on the shortest and quickest driving route options will result in the shortest driving distance and quickest driving time, respectively.  Calculations based on the preferred route will take into account preferred road types (such as highways, toll roads, arterial roads), which you can specify under the Route Settings Road Types tab.  Also see our post Using Microsoft MapPoint Settings with CDXZipStream for more information.

One more item worth noting:  If you are optimizing a route, the order of the intermediate stops is always optimized based on achieving the quickest driving time.  However, all the other output, such as driving time, distance, trip duration, and cost will be based on the selected route option:  shortest, quickest, or preferred.   Driving directions from waypoint to waypoint will also be based on the selected route option, although the order of the waypoints will again be based on the quickest driving route.

In a blog post two weeks ago we talked about how you can customize some of our CDXZipStream Excel templates to meet your specific needs.  However, when it comes to more complex calculations, especially for very large data sets, do-it-yourself customization may not be enough.  When you need an Excel template for zip code, address, and other location-based analysis, and our CDXZipStream free templates don’t fit the bill, consider contacting us for a free quote on a custom template built just for you.  In many cases we can build on our past experience, allowing for very quick (less than 5 business days) turn-around time on your project.   Here are a few examples of the kinds of analyses a custom template can perform:

Multiple Route Optimization:  When managing sales call schedules or customer service visits, it may be necessary to perform repeated route optimizations on a frequent basis.   In some cases, the number of stops on a route can be fairly large, up to 50 or more addresses that need to be included in the optimization process.  Although we do offer a free template that performs optimization for a single route, running this multiple time may not an efficient use of your time.   A customized template can be specifically designed to manage multiple routes, and also be customized to make input of multiple address groups quick and easy.  

Radius Analysis or Route Optimization with additional data:  Address records usually include a lot of other associated data, such as name, telephone number, and other identifying numbers or historical information important for your organization.  When radius analysis or route optimization re-orders a long list of addresses, you can retain all associated data using a customized CDXZipStream template.  Field column headings can be custom-designed for your particular set of data, or left blank so you fill them in yourself.   

Multiple Radius Analyses with sorting:  Need to assign all customers to all your sales staff based on geographic proximity?  When doing multiple radius analyses involving a large x by y matrix of locations, it may be important to sort the results for each analysis based on some other variable.  For example, it may be necessary to find all customers within a 50 mile radius of each salesperson, then sort the customers for each based on account size, distance, product type, or any other data that may be helpful in deciding sales staff assignment.  Even without sorting this process can involve literally millions of calculations.  A customized template can handle the multiple radius analyses as well as automate the multiple sorting involved. 

Driving Distance Radius Analysis for very large data sets:   Some radius analyses require driving distance calculations for added accuracy.  Driving distance calculations are inherently slower than straight-line calculations, so when performing radius analyses for a large x by y matrix of locations, it’s best to take a two-pronged approach.  First, perform straight-line calculations for a wider radius than desired to narrow down the choices; for instance, if you need to find locations within a 25 mile driving radius, calculate the straight-line distance to all possible locations within a 50 mile radius.  Then from these results, perform driving calculations to determine which fall within the 25 mile radius.  Again, this technique involves many iterative calculations, including the use of mapping software like Microsoft MapPoint, that can best be handled in an automated, customized template.  

Think a customized template could work for you?  Contact us for a free quote at customsolutions@cdxtech.com or call 1-877-CDX-TEC1 (1-877-239-8321).

Over the last several months we've been developing Microsoft Excel templates that use CDXZipStream to perform a variety of tasks, ranging from route optimization to zip code radius analysis.  They are pre-formatted and automated so that users simply input their data, click a button or two, and the desired output is returned to the worksheet. The templates are free, work in Microsoft Excel 2003 and up, and can be evaluated with free trials of CDXZipStream and Microsoft MapPoint, which is also used in some of the templates.  (See the top of our links page to download.) At this point there are enough templates that we thought it would be a good idea to review in one place all their functionality and provide links to their YouTube tutorials:

Radius Calculations Template:  Input a list of addresses or zip codes, and this template will identify which ones are within a specified radius distance of a target zip code.  The calculations are based on the straight-line distance between the centroid (center) locations of the zip codes.  This is a one of our more popular templates and can be used for a variety of applications, such as filtering customer addresses around a store or other key location.  You can view the tutorial here.

Nuclear Facility Radius Calculator:  An example application of our Radius Calculations template that identifies nuclear facilities in a radius around a target zip code.   You can view the tutorial here.

Driving Distance Template:  This template works with Microsoft MapPoint to calculate driving time, driving distance, cost, or total trip duration between two lists of addresses. Input the same address for one of the lists if you need driving data around a single location.  This is a very easy way to validate travel expenses.  Please view the tutorial here.

Route Optimization Template (with GPX export):  This template also works with Microsoft MapPoint, to re-order and optimize intermediate stops on a driving route to achieve the shortest possible driving time.  The optimized route can then be exported to a GPX file that is compatible with many GPS devices.  This is a very easy-to-use, economical approach to route optimization that can reduce transportation costs for applications ranging from food delivery services to customer sales calls.  You can view the tutorial here.

Driving Matrix Template:  Input a matrix of addresses or zip codes to calculate driving distance, driving time, cost or trip duration between all combinations of routes.  For instance, the input matrix would look something like this:

Driving calculations will be performed for the route between Address 1 and Address A, Address 1 and Address B, Address 1 and Address C, etc., until all combinations are covered.  This is a quick and easy way to assign driving destinations, such as for delivery, taxi, or limousine services.  You can view the tutorial here.   

Geocoding Template:  Get latitude and longitude data for a long list of addresses.  This template works with Microsoft MapPoint, and can also be used to verify the accuracy of mailing lists based on the quality of the address match to the MapPoint database.   View the tutorial here.   

Reverse Geocoding Template:  Working with Microsoft MapPoint, this template reverse geocodes by finding the closest address to a geocode (latitude and longitude) point. This can be extremely useful for processing points from a gps device.  You can view the tutorial here.   

Although these templates cover many uses and will fit the bill for most clients, please contact us at customsolutions@CDXTech.com if you have a special need and require template customization. 

We like to think of CDXZipStream as a Swiss-army knife for working with location-based data, be it zip codes, addresses, or latitude/longitude (geocode) points. Since it performs so many functions, ranging from retrieving the most up-to-date demographic data to optimizing driving routes, we've put together in our CDXZipStream links page a virtual supermarket of resources that helps our clients get the most out of the software.   Here's a quick review of some of our links:

"One-Click" CDXZipStream Templates

These are free, downloadable, pre-formatted Excel files that perform CDXZipStream functions with a single click of the mouse.  Just enter your address, zip code, or other data of interest, and click a command button to start the calculations.  We currently have templates designed for route optimization, geocoding and reverse geocoding, and for driving calculations such as driving distance, time, cost, and total trip duration.  These templates can also be used with the trial version of CDXZipstream, so they're especially well-suited for doing a quick and easy evaluation of whether CDXZipStream is right for you.  Client feedback has been extremely positive, and we will be adding new templates to cover all CDXZipStream functionality.

YouTube Videos

These are short, informative videos that show you how you can use CDXZipStream in a Microsoft Excel worksheet.  We've found that video instruction is extremely effective in helping our clients understand what CDXZipStream can do, and is a great way to get the word out when new functionality is added.  Consider subscribing to our YouTube channel if you would like to be notified when new videos are released.

Technical Articles

These include Microsoft Excel files showing concrete examples of how CDXZipStream can be used, our on-line help file, a video quick-start guide to CDXZipStream,  and a spreadsheet of all available demographic data fields and their descriptions.

Close-Up Articles

These are an informational series of articles highlighting how you can get and use address, zip code, and geocode data to help grow your business.  These provide a good introduction on how to leverage location-based information into improved efficiencies, more targeted marketing and identification of your customer base, and direct cost savings, using CDXZipStream.  Four areas are covered: customer demographics, route optimization, driving (such as driving distance, time, and cost) calculations, and geocoding.  

We also include links to our newletters, articles on Ezinearticles.com, PC Magazine, and Squidoo.com, as well as links to the many awards won by CDXZipStream.  So please feel free to check back frequently, as we continually update and add to this page as CDXZipStream grows.