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CDXZipStream

 

Welcome to the CDXZipStream October 2016 Newsletter

   

In this month's newsletter we highlight the new route optimization function in CDXZipStream that uses Bing Maps data.  We also review the ways we can provide a custom radius analysis for a matrix of many locations (customer addresses, store locations, delivery points, etc.) using our Geographic Access template as a starting point.

  

Here's the latest blog posting on the website:

  

- Route Optimization in Excel Using Bing Maps

Route Optimization Using Bing Maps Data

 

As announced in our last newsletter, the latest version of CDXZipStream now offers route optimization and expanded mapping capability, using data from Bing Maps.  Here is a short tutorial that walks through the process of route optimization while using the function CDXRouteBing:

 

Route Optimization Using Bing Maps in Excel

Route Optimization Using Bing Maps in Excel

 

 

To activate route optimization, go to the "Bing Maps Settings" area, accessible from either the "Settings" icon on the CDXZipStream commandbar or the CDXRouteBing dialog box.  Check the "Optimize Routes" box and the function will automatically optimize a list of up to 25 locations.  Calculation time is very fast. CDXZipStream calculates driving distance and driving time, finds the optimized waypoint list, maps, and obtains driving directions for the complete route.

 

When using Bing Maps you have the option to select a fixed or non-fixed end point for the optimized route.  With a fixed end point, the optimized route will both begin and end with the same locations as the original input list.  With a non-fixed end point only the beginning of the route is fixed, and optimization will select an end point that facilitates return to the beginning location.

 

Route optimization can be performed using the CDXRouteBing worksheet function, and or you can download and use a free Microsoft Excel template which completely automates the process.  Just copy and paste your list of locations, choose the desired settings, and click a button to obtain a full trip report for the optimized route.  There are actually two templates available that perform route optimization, that use as input either text addresses (such as 123 Main Street, Springfield, IL 55555) or points of latitude and longitude.   

 

Route optimization using Bing Maps data, as well as the expanded mapping capability, are both available in the CDXZipStream Bing and higher versions.  If you currently own the 64-bit version of CDXZipStream and would like to upgrade to take advantage of the new functionality, login to CDXTech.com and in the account area, under CDXZipStream, select "Upgrade Licenses" to start the purchasing process.  If you own the older 32-bit CDXZipStream, you can upgrade free to the 64-bit version by purchasing a maintenance subscription.    

 

Customize Your Geographic Access Analysis

 

Did you know we offer customization services for our Geographic Access Analysis template?

 

The template, working with CDXZipStream, can take a matrix of X and Y locations (such as retail stores, customer locations, warehouses, or points of delivery) and create a complete radius report showing which X locations are within a specified radius distance of all Y locations, or vice versa.   It is commonly used as a store locator tool, to identify the stores located within a radius distance of a customer list, but has wide application to many location-based analyses.   Here is a short tutorial showing how it works:

 

Geographic Access Analysis Using Microsoft Excel

Geographic Access Analysis in Microsoft Excel

 

 

(Note that since this video was posted, we have added Bing Maps functionality to the template to provide validation and geocoding of all address data.)

 

Here are some of the ways the template can be customized to fit the exact needs of your organization:

 

Calculate access performance - Once the radius report is generated it can be used to calculate performance any number of ways. What percentage of customers live within x miles of at least two stores? Which stores within y miles cover the most customers? How many customers must travel at least y miles to a store? These and other measurements can be extremely useful in areas ranging from resource allocation to developing a long-term business strategy.


Add demographic or other location-based data  - Get demographic data for each location and/or target using one of CDXZipStream's demographic feeds, and include that data as part of the radius report. For example, access requirements for health care facilities can be dependent on population density. With a radius report showing the closest facilities to each prospective patient, population density for each patient ZIP Code (based on population and land area data obtained from the CDXZipCode Feed) can be used to classify each patient as living in an urban, suburban, or rural area.


Add more criteria to the radius report - The radius report shows locations closest to each target, within a radius distance you specify, but additional criteria can be used as well. Need to find distribution centers within a radius distance of retail stores, but only those within the same state? State location can easily be added as a secondary criterion in the report. These additional criteria don't have to be based on location; any descriptive data that can be included in the location listing (number of employees, services provided, etc.) can be used in the radius report.


Create custom reports based on the radius report - The results of the radius report can be used to produce more detailed reports for each location, or groups of locations. For example, with a radius report showing stores within a radius distance of each customer, additional reports can be built showing customers (within the radius distance) associated with each store. Similar reports can also be generated across stores groupings, showing customers associated with full service stores, stores within a single state, etc.


Add billing and other numerical data - Any numerical data associated with targets or locations, such as billing and cost data, can be included as part of the radius report or other custom reports described above. These values can then be summed or averaged, for example, for a group of targets and/or locations. Numerical-based reports such as these can often replace time-consuming manual processes as well as provide hard numbers for facility planning purposes.

 

The template is compatible with the CDXZipStream Bing version and higher, and is available for purchase from your account area under the "Buy Data Update" menu.  The basic template costs $149.95, and additional customization fees are billed at $80 per hour.  You can call us at 1-877-CDX-TEC1 (239-8321) or email customsolutions@cdxtech.com for a free estimate.

 

Latest Data Updates

 

Canadian and U.S. data feeds of CDXZipStream were updated as of October 26.  There were 144 changes made to the U.S. database this month.  If you would like to update your database to reflect these changes, select the "Account" option on the CDXZipStream commandbar and click on "Check for Available Database Updates".  You can then update each database as required. 

 

CDXZipStream updates are a part of the one-year software maintenance subscription included with your purchase.  If you would like to extend your subscription, please sign in to the CDX Technologies website and from the account area for CDXZipStream, select "Buy Data Update".

 

As always we hope you find the information here helpful for you and your organization.  You can contact us with your feedback and suggestions by replying to this email.

 

The Team at CDX Technologies 

October 2016

 

 

Map of the World

 


In This Issue 

 

Route Optimization Using Bing Maps Data

 

Customize Your Geographic Access Analysis

 

Data Updates

 

 

 

Links