Achieve business KPIs, decrease logistics costs with Ortec Routing and Dispatch EP3 software

Ortec has announced the worldwide release of an all-new Enhancement Package (EP3) to its flagship routing product Ortec Routing and Dispatch.

EP3 extends the 2014 Ortec Routing and Dispatch release, recognised by Gartner as meeting all functionality requirements, with new optimiser capabilities for inner city and home delivery routing as well as fuels routing and dynamic sourcing. The release also brings a brand new resource assignment optimiser and a smarter and faster user experience.

"The high-performance optimisation engines built into Ortec Routing and Dispatch deliver the ultimate planning, scheduling, dispatch and real-time execution capabilities," stated Ortec Chief Product Officer Wouter Luijten. "Ortec's portfolio of optimisation solutions for supply chain and workforce planning helps companies drive revenue and achieve strategic business objectives with metrics tied to KPIs."

"We're proud of our talented team and the hard work they put in to bring our flagship software solution suite to a new and even better level," stated Ortec Chief Product Officer Wouter Luijten. "No one else offers a routing and dispatch solution this powerful. It is a testament to the excellent working relationships we have with our customers and the feedback we get from them for continuous improvement."

Gartner States Routing and Scheduling Market in Transition

According to the Gartner Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling, "vehicle routing and scheduling is a mature market, going back over 25 years. The market is in transition, with new, more-robust, more-flexible and broader solutions emerging. While most midsize to large fleets have likely had solutions in place for over a decade, emerging VRS solutions have new capabilities that will enhance fleet operations, and this evolution is leading to a replacement market."

According to Bart De Muynck, author of Gartner's Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling, "The market's vendors are not only offering vehicle routing software, but also related services such as transportation modelling, load building and real-time visibility."

Gartner recommends reviewing vendors for functionality offered, industries covered and geographical presence when assessing VRS solutions. In the 2015 Market Guide for Vehicle Routing and Scheduling, Ortec delivers in every category and every box measured by Gartner including functionality, platform, geographic presence and industry coverage.

Marketplace Demands Real-time Transparency and Flexibility

"We recognise that the industry is moving away from siloed thinking and embracing the opportunities of integrated routing, load building, and inventory management," stated Goos Kant, Ortec Senior Director for Industry Solutions. "There is tremendous need for real-time transparency and flexibility, e.g., by sharing up-to-date delivery information towards both customers and management, to improve service and optimise the end-to-end supply chain."

Route optimsation used to be a batch process only, with clearly defined cut-off times. This is changing rapidly into a more dynamic process, requiring high-performance continuous optimisation engines. Advanced Planning and Optimisation software is a key differentiator delivering the highest service levels at the lowest possible cost.

"Adding EP3 to Ortec Routing and Dispatch enables our customers to apply state-of-the art scientific breakthroughs to their everyday operations, turning their supply chain from cost centre into a competitive advantage," stated Ortec Product Manager Daniel Dam.

Optimised resource allocation

The introduction of a powerful resource allocation optimiser allows companies in Transportation, Retail and Distribution to truly reach a network of financially attractive continuous moves. This is pivotal in aiming for operational excellence. Planners from different locations are able to share resources (drivers, trucks, trailers), synergize orders and align planning and execution. The new resource optimisation algorithms are capable of handling large volumes: hundreds of trailers are matched with drivers and trucks, then quickly dispatched.

E-commerce and home delivery trending

Home delivery and e-commerce are booming and last mile delivery determines the winner. Accurate Estimated Time of Arrival (ETAs) are critical. In the new ORTEC release, ETAs are more accurate by scheduling to precise locations in a street, respecting signposted turn restrictions and bollards. Ortec's new route optimiser delivers unparalleled optimisation providing pivotal support for efficient transport and logistics.

Brand new dynamic sourcing algorithm

In order to leverage the business opportunities inherent to the fuels industry, Ortec has introduced dynamic sourcing features enabling the user to choose the optimal terminal for loading based on product availability and price, while having flexible volumes. The result: a lower cost per volume.

Greater visibility, profit and service levels

Visibility is key in optimising logistics processes. A highly responsive and intuitive system is required. The new release offers a highly responsive map view as well as smart interactive filtering of data, resulting in powerful decision support. Every new feature in Ortec Routing and Dispatch EP3 helps companies optimise and execute transportation efficiently, as well as optimise profit and service levels.