News
Top Stories
- DiPS Update Road Network with M74
DiPS have updated our road network to
include the new stretch of the M74 in Glasgow and Hindhead
Tunnel. Contact DiPS if you require these updates now.
- DiPS Release New Maintenance
Toolkit
Customers can now use our new DiPS
Toolkit to streamline maintenance and support issues and swiftly
update DiPS with any new releases.
- DiPS Goes Green
Customers can now use our Carbon
Emissions Reporting Tool to easily determine the CO2 emissions
for each route they plan.
- DiPS Customer Zone Goes Online
DiPS have expanded the website to
implement a secure customer zone where customers can now
download the latest updates, access help and support and manage
any issues through our Online Help Desk
- DiPS take on new graduate
DiPS have recently recruited a new
graduate for the position of Development and Support Analyst
What's New?
Recent updates to the software packages have included:d :
User Defined
Display - Any special display information may be
loaded into the package and displayed under user-defined headings.
Specified in an xml file, these headings enable any parts of the
data set to be displayed in a recognisable and user friendly manner.
User Defined Reporting -
This new feature enables
specific reports written using the Microsoft standard Business
Objects Crystal Reports facility to be incorporated into the DiPS
program. Such reports can then be extracted in spreadsheet, pdf,
html, or printed onto paper copy as required. These reports are
available in addition to the wide range of standard Import & Export
routines available using Microsoft Office formats.
Breaks - By
defining by shift & driving time limits, it is now possible to
define 2 distinct patterns that are dependent upon the total driving
(travel) time for a route. For example, 2 breaks may be taken as 30
minutes followed by 15 minutes if driving time doesn't exceed the
defined limit, or 15 minutes followed by the subsequent 30 minute
break if driving legislation applies.
Driver Classes - Individual Drivers or Types of Driver
(called Classes) may be created, each with different working times
for each day, different skill levels (e.g. hazardous trained),
variable start and finish locations, and working time directive
criteria. Driver Information can also be loaded from spreadsheet.
Costs - Vehicle costs are an
essential part of both the supply chain analysis and all the vehicle
scheduling programs. Cost values can be input into three possible
sections : for any of the vehicle types themselves, for the driver,
and for each mate. All costs are accumulated to produce the overall
figure for a route.
For route planning, user-defined Carriers can
form the basis of a complex automated decision-making process for
cost-effective planning considering dedicated vehicles, pallet or
parcel networks, and third-part hauliers. Parameters available for
networks include the ability for the carrier to serve particular
postcode areas, handle different product types, undertake
collections, accept orders with a booked delivery time, and to
pick-up goods.
Costs for all applicable carriers are compared
and a lowest cost “Best Carrier” is found. Within the automated
routing algorithm the total carrier cost for all orders on a route
is compared with the cheapest vehicle costs to decide whether
the route is cost-effective. Individual orders may also be analysed
to see whether adding them would make the route un-viable.
Production Planning -
DiPS now has a Production Planning feature to define when product is
available at a depot for vehicles to depart on routes. Production
limits may be defined as a daily total or an hourly rate.
Time of Day Road Speeds -
Road speed settings can now be made by time of day (to simulate rush
hour or night running), by vehicle type, by weekday and by area of
the country to provide comprehensive facilities to calculate drive
times.
London Lorry Control Scheme - Overnight restrictions for HGVs operating within the
London area can be employed to prevent certain vehicle types from
using roads defined by the scheme.
Special Locations -
Specific points may be added to planning data to plan for activities
at certain location within the planned route. As examples drawbar
drop points, secure night out points, vehicle wash-outs and
designated trailer parks can all be incorporated into the planning
process.