The paper was presented at the International Logistics Conference “Logistics 2002 – Flexible supply chains – concepts, experiences, challenges”. Poznań, May 14-15, 2002.
1. Introduction
New dispatch and telematics systems enable continuous access to information during the distribution process. On one hand, these systems serve the dynamic integration of controlled variables in the management of an ongoing transport process, while on the other, they offer a way to close gaps in the supply chain information flow for other participants.
In this way, the growing requirements for dynamic dispatching of current transport orders can be met. As a rule, this process takes place on the basis of daily plans, which are integrated with current information about routes and itineraries for a given day.
New dispatch and telematics systems allow for the consideration of road conditions or even new orders during the transport process. Data is transmitted via back-office functions – to the logistics management center in the company – or directly to the driver’s onboard system, for example as a route proposal or a new customer order. The workflow is largely shaped by occurring events, meaning only important vehicles and situations influencing decisions are appropriately visible.
The planned introduction of road tolls in Germany based on an onboard computer with GPS and GSM functionality has become an important element in opening the market for logistics applications. In this case, a standard onboard computer will be used. Logistics applications on the vehicle side should be implemented via PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) as the “Front End” of the onboard computer in the Windows CE system.
2. Contour Bulk – Application in the full load area
Contour Bulk is a dispatch and telematics system for transport companies in various industrial sectors, including all companies involved in the logistics of general cargo and full truckload transport, as well as for transport and forwarding companies in long-haul transport.
Contour Bulk is focused on dispatch tasks related to receiving customer orders and transmitting dispatch instructions via quotas to vehicles (means of transport) and production sites. In addition to transport companies that manage their own fleets, this product can be used by logistics operators. These are companies that, on behalf of a client, purchase general cargo and commission its transport from a supplier or delegate transport activities to a carrier, in accordance with orders, and subsequently supervise their execution and settlement.
The goal is to relieve the user of routine tasks, automate and accelerate manual work, and optimize dispatch and planning activities. Furthermore, cost savings can be achieved through targeted and optimal dispatching. Contour Bulk was developed by practitioners for practitioners. Its development was influenced by many years of experience from various industries.
Contour Bulk is multi-user and can be used in an intranet network simultaneously by many branches and many dispatchers. Workstations that are not connected to the intranet can access the system via Windows Terminal Server software. The foundation of the Contour Bulk system is an Oracle database, through which all data flows. The system is designed for use on the Windows NT or Windows 2000 platform and has a user interface based on Windows standards, which facilitates operation for Windows users. To use export functions, the installation of MS Excel is required, and for web components such as web statistics and webexport, the installation of MS IE version 5 or higher and MS IIS is necessary.
To use telematics connections, it is necessary to equip vehicles with an onboard computer. In practice, the system works with OHB onboard computers, but it can also be connected via standard inputs to devices from other manufacturers. IVU Traffic Technologies AG has developed a solution that enables communication between the vehicle and the dispatch station in a semi-automatic manner, using commercially available mobile phones. Thus, order details transmitted by the system to a mobile phone number (the driver’s) must be manually confirmed by the driver via SMS.
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