Routing & Scheduling

The key challenges for those over-seeing the Vehicle Routing and Dispatch functions within a fuel distribution operation include;

• strategic level: where to invest, e.g. in storage facilities, in distribution points, in main routes, in equipment. 
• tactical level: based on the investments made, the demands from customers and partners available, what is the best plan for this month/week. 
• operational level: how to react, in real-time, when confronted with the unanticipated  illness of truck drivers, traffic jams, trucks that break down, unscheduled deliveries etc.

Solution

TouchStar can provide dedicated software solutions for routing & scheduling that are based upon the specific requirements of the fuel distribution operation, founded upon

• our comprehensive knowledge of the business process; 

• implementation know how, gained from thousands of site installations; 

• a strong customer orientation. We are concerned with the delivery of bespoke IT solutions for fuel distribution and delivery that are tailored to the client’s specific mode of operation.

Our software products include strong process models, user interfaces and real-time import/export features. The adoption of TouchStar Vehicle Routing and Dispatch solutions will bring you:  

• cost reduction because of less driving times and distance and less hours spent on planning activities;
• improved customer service through increased pro-active planning around waiting hours, slack times,  exception management, notification of shipment status etc. From the customer’s perspective the greatest gain is dramatically increased ‘on time’ performance
• improved process efficiency through a larger degree of control for planner and dispatcher. Universal access to  all data by any person can be facilitated,  if required). Real-time interaction with other key business systems (ERP, TMS, WMS etc.) and devices (TouchStar on-board computer or handheld PC) is readily achievable,
• improved process efficiency, through minimisation of manual data entry activities.

Key functions :
Our years of experience with many fuel distribution companies, both large and small, has enabled us to equip our software with functionalities that allow the system to play an central role in the organisation. The planning system

• has automatic insight into missed delivery deadlines, working hours, loading capacity, etc.
• has insight into alternatives to avoid planning conflicts
• has the capacity to deal with urgent orders
• has insight into the financial and logistical consequences
• can make online reports on the basis of key performance indicators (characteristics)
• organizes efficient management of the vehicle fleet
• uses a call center interface for order reception
• uses an automated planning board with a card function for the desired level of detail