Delivery Zones by ZIP Code allow users to define geographic service areas that help determine delivery availability. Users can create zones by assigning ZIP codes, buffer days, and other identifying details, with ZIP codes added through a radius search or by entering a specific address. Once configured, the zones work with delivery schedules to narrow available delivery options based on the customer’s ZIP code and the trucks and capacity assigned to that zone.
SOP: Create and Manage Delivery Zones by Zip Code
Objective
Define delivery areas by zip code so the system can control which delivery dates are offered based on zone rules, truck capacity, and scheduling buffers. This SOP helps ensure delivery availability is consistent, controlled, and aligned with operational rules.
Key Steps
1. Confirm Access and Navigate to Delivery Zone Setup 0:10
Verify you have the Scheduler Settings permission before attempting setup.
In the menu, go to Scheduler and then Settings.
Open the Delivery Zone Setup area to begin creating or editing zones.
Use this area to manage delivery zones that will control scheduling availability.
2. Understand How Delivery Zones Affect Scheduling 0:33
Delivery zones help the system determine which delivery dates can be offered based on the customer’s zip code.
Zoned schedules identify which trucks service each zone.
The system uses truck capacity in that zone to determine available delivery dates.
Remember that zones can overlap, allowing different delivery rules within the same general region.
3. Create a New Zone 1:05
Go to the Zones tab.
Click Plus Add Zone.
Enter the zone details, including:
Zone name
Zone code
Color
Buffer days if needed
Click the green check mark to add the zone.
4. Set Buffer Days for Scheduling Control 1:12
Use buffer days to control how far in advance a delivery can be scheduled for that zone.
A buffer of 0 allows the next available delivery date to be scheduled.
A higher buffer pushes the earliest available delivery date further out.
Apply different buffer settings by zone when you need tighter control over scheduling timing.
5. Manage Zone Actions and Settings 1:57
Use the yellow pencil to edit the zone name, code, color, or buffer days.
Use the red trash can to delete the zone.
Use the black pin to manage zip codes assigned to the zone.
Use time settings to add:
Start time
End time
Delivery window minutes
6. Add Zip Codes by Location or Radius 2:30
Click Manage Zip Codes for the zone.
Choose the radius search option.
Select a store or warehouse location from the dropdown.
Set the desired radius around that location.
Click Search Zip Codes.
Review the results, then click Add to include the zip codes in the zone.
7. Add Zip Codes Manually 3:45
Open Manage Zip Codes for the zone.
Enter a zip code directly into the Zip Codes field.
Click Add to assign it to the zone.
Repeat as needed for each zip code you want to include.
8. Remove Zip Codes from a Zone 3:56
In the zone’s zip code list, click Remove next to any zip code you want to take out.
Confirm the zip code is no longer assigned to the zone.
Use this method when a zip code should no longer follow that zone’s delivery rules.
9. Review and Adjust Zip Codes on the Map 4:07
Save the zip codes to view them on the map.
Use the zoom in and zoom out controls to inspect the area.
If needed, use the map tools to add or remove zip codes visually.
To add areas, click the draw tool and draw over the zip codes you want included.
To remove an area, click the zip code area on the map.
10. Save the Zone and Confirm Setup 4:52
After all zip codes and settings are complete, click Save.
Confirm the zone is saved successfully.
Verify the zone appears correctly and is ready to control delivery scheduling.
Use the zone rules to guide what delivery dates are offered to salespeople and customers.
Cautionary Notes
Permission required: Only users with Scheduler Settings access can manage delivery zones.
Overlapping zones: Zones can overlap, so review rules carefully to avoid unintended scheduling behavior.
Buffer days impact availability: A higher buffer delays the earliest delivery date, which may reduce near-term scheduling options.
Map edits should be reviewed: When adding/removing zip codes on the map, confirm the final coverage matches the intended delivery area.
Delete carefully: The delete action removes the zone, so confirm before using the red trash can.
Tips for Efficiency
Use radius search when creating large coverage areas quickly.
Use manual zip entry for small corrections or exceptions.
Assign a distinct color to each zone to make map review easier.
Set time settings and buffer days while creating the zone to avoid later rework.
After saving, review the zone on the map to confirm coverage before moving on to the next zone.