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Recent updates to the software packages have
included :
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.
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