Time-consuming manual load planning is now a thing of the past for transport companies with the new LoadBuilder automatic load planning program from Deltion Ltd, creator of the logistics industrys first collaborative web based system.
LoadBuilder takes jobs entered onto the Deltion system, whether by customers or internal users, and arranges them into a logical schedule, making optimal use of vehicles and using the shortest route wherever possible. Each drivers schedule can then be automatically supplied to him via XDA or mobile phone, negating the need for drivers to visit a depot to collect their schedule if the first visit is a collection or delivery elsewhere.
The system can be personalised with settings for each company, based on the numbers, types and capacity of vehicles. It can also be programmed to take account of earliest start times and any pre-arranged booking times. Users can even set average turnaround times for collections or deliveries to facilitate planning.
The simple to use screen shows all jobs scheduled for each driver and will automatically alert the user if a problem arises, for example if a driver has been delayed. Jobs can then if necessary be reallocated to another driver, with the system again able to assist by showing which vehicle is nearest. It also shows the size of each consignment in terms of numbers of pallets or boxes, and their size or weight.
At any stage details of all drivers, vehicles, trailers and jobs those left over from the previous day, those being undertaken that day, and those to be dealt with the following day can be called up with the facility to manually override at any time if required.
The system is updated every time a driver communicates with the depot via mobile phone or XDA.
The key benefits for companies are the reductions in time spent on manual load planning, the freeing up of key staff to deal with exception resolution, and optimising vehicle use to enable the company to take on more contracts.
LoadBuilder comes as standard with all of Deltions product range: DepotNet (aimed at single and multi-site hauliers): XpressNet (aimed at sameday operators); CarrierNet (aimed at larger operators such as pallet networks); UniDepot (a comprehensive solution for the single depot operation); and ConTrackTor, which is for contract distribution companies, manufacturers, distributors or retailers who need to manage single company or multiple company distribution operations.
Piyush Shah, Chief Executive of Deltion Ltd, commented: Load planning has traditionally been one of the most time consuming and labour intensive tasks faced by transport companies but the LoadBuilder system fully automates this task for operators from sameday parcels companies to pallet networks.
Trials by major operators have already demonstrated the value this adds in terms of reducing the need for dedicated planning staff and optimising vehicle use.
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