Logistics software developer Ortec, based in Wildeshausen, will be presenting new functionality for its SAP ERP integrated load and route optimisation software at LogiMAT 2014 (25 to 27 February 2014, Neue Messe Stuttgart), as well as new functions for Windows-based applications.
"These new developments build in optimisation at all stages of the logistics chain", enthuses Ortec executive director Olaf Bacher. "From strategic, tactical and operational planning to real-time dispatch based on GPS positioning data. In the future, we plan to use feedback from mobile systems to provide even better support for our customers at all levels of their planning processes."
New in Ortec Traffic Congestion Patterns
Ortec Traffic Congestion Pattern, a recently added module in Windows-based route planning software Ortec Routing and Dispatch, is available as of now also in Germany. The new module carries out computations taking into account all available statistical traffic data – for every day of the week and every conceivable route. "Data are made available in 15-minute intervals, allowing critical sections of the route, such as in rush hour, to be planned even more precisely in future, irrespective of whether it's for the next day or 14 days' time," continues Bacher. The first test users of the module report cost savings in the region of five percent thanks to optimised route planning based on statistical traffic data.
Indicators demonstrate planning efficiency
A further new feature integrated in Ortec Routing and Dispatch" is the "KPI Dashboard". The planner specifies the key performance indicators (KPIs) that are of greatest importance for the company. Olaf Bacher again: "In this way each planning activity can be immediately evaluated for its effectiveness. This represents a further valuable management tool." ORTEC also provides this information in a new mobile app.
Further developments in the SAP logistics environment
Several planning organisations in the same SAP ERP
With the new planning organisation structure available as of the 2013 major release, several configurations can now be operated in parallel in the same SAP ERP system. This represents a major benefit for companies with international transport planning operations that use Ortec for SAP ERP, but also companies that have varying, country-specific requirements for route and load optimisation and local source and movement data.
Direct delivery or cross-docking?
As a single SAP add-on supplier, Ortec has upgraded transport planning in its SAP ERP integrated solution, allowing two-stage deliveries to be dispatched in the route planning (cross-docking) in addition to the more usual direct deliveries. Various logical controls check which distribution strategy - direct or cross-docking - has been specified, and which cross-docking depot is being used. Moreover, the user can intervene manually at any time and override the system-supported decisions, for example to re-schedule a direct delivery as a cross-docking delivery.
Post-editing of load design visualisation
In the past the results of loading space optimisation could not be changed manually by the user. The new "Packing Proposal Editor" now enables users to make graphical changes to the suggested load design for a planned route. This brings added value in that special requirements that arise on a day-to-day basis, which previously could not be visualised by the software, can now be incorporated without problem.
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