Distribution, Transportation & Logistics Planning Software

Transportation & logistics operations with complex distribution networks can achieve large scale savings by introducing the right scheduling software and optimization tools. However, most scheduling and dispatch software packages in the market are unable to solve such complex problems in a realistic amount of time while taking into account all the variables and constraints involved. Transport logistics management problems become even more complex when due consideration is given to the savings produced by sharing resources (e.g. fleet and drivers) across several depots. Further, there are additional capabilities that cutting edge logistics software should include, such as 'what if' scenario modelling, fleet optimization, working time directives (WTD) and integrated supply chain management.

MJC²'s scheduling & dispatch software solution DISC (DIstribution SCheduling) is capable of modelling highly complex transportation & logistics problems to calculate solutions at unsurpassed speeds. To the best of our knowledge DISC is the fastest distribution scheduling system in the World and one of the few capable of coping with very complex logistic management and distribution problems. Its power can be better appreciated in comparison with other vehicle routing packages available on the market. DISC models multi-depot operations, optimising backhauls, transhipments, crossdocks, multicollects and other complex/diamond journeys. The DISC toolset is customisable to ensure that all relevant variables and constraints of the operation are included in the scheduling process.

For more information about DISC's planning, scheduling and optimisation capabilities please click on one of the links below:

• Overview of DISC
• Integrated Distribution Logistics Optimization
• Fleet Management & Resource Optimization
• Trip Routing Software & Vehicle Routing Systems
• 'What if' Scenario Planning
• Configurable Transport & Logistics Planning Software
• Fleet Maintenance Planning & Scheduling

In today's highly competitive transportation & logistics market, fleet optimization using scheduling & dispatch software has become a necessity for large supply chain networks. The DISC logistics scheduling software, with its advanced planning and scheduling algorithms, gives logistics management teams or third party logistics (3PL) companies the planning tools they need to optimize their fleet. Real-time scheduling software allows transport & logistics networks to adapt to changing situations, while parallel 'what if' environments provide long-term strategic and tactical scenario planning capabilities.

The business objectives of DISC-based solutions are to meet service level requirements whilst minimising use of resources. DISC provides tools for solving large and complex operational and strategic distribution planning problems. It is particularly applicable to operations which handle short shelf life products and fast moving goods in a highly dynamic market, where rapid response to changing orders and achievement of tight delivery windows are paramount. The planning tools are equally applicable to primary distribution from suppliers to Regional Distribution Centres (RDC) or composite depots, and secondary distribution from those centres to retail outlets, petrol stations, customers or branches.

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Unlike most distribution scheduling systems, DISC optimizes the transport operation and related warehouse operations using an integrated model. This ensures that its solutions do not contain transport schedules which are unfeasible from the warehouse point of view, nor solutions that satisfy warehouse constraints only at a considerable cost to transport. In a large-scale operation it is only an integrated solution which can be both feasible and cost effective.

DISC can receive all transport and warehouse variables and constraints as input, including:

• Forecast or actual volumes/demands by customer or delivery point for various different products or product groups;
• Transport constraints such as vehicle type and size, compartment size, temperature control, bulk and packed constraints, etc.;
• Delivery routing constraints such as window times (by product group), vehicle and docking constraints at delivery points, prioritisation of delivery windows, etc.;
• Routing times and distances (and constraints) by integrating with MJC²'s vehicle routing tools;
• GPS tracking or other vehicle tracking information (DISC can be integrated with MJC²'s REACT to take into account the realtime position of vehicles and drivers when rescheduling in response to operational changes to the original plan);
• Production constraints (DISC can be integrated with MJC²'s e-Stock and PIMSS systems to ensure that stock and production constraints of supply points are accurately modelled);
• Warehouse constraints (loading/picking capacity, docking constraints, limited floor space or holding vessel capacity, etc.); and,
• Constraints on resources and their availability (e.g. trailers, tankers, tractors and drivers).

Taking this information into account, and following other rules and constraints as required, the system produces an integrated set of plans with corresponding loads and schedules which cover:

• Loading, laneing, and bay allocation and usage by warehouse/delivery point;
• Assembly/picking and Loading sheets;
• Schedules for trailers and tractors (with load contents); and
• Driver allocation and start times planning.

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DISC can be run constrained by resources, unconstrained or partly constrained (e.g. adding agency drivers and spot hire vehicles when necessary). As a result the system advises on shortfalls and resulting degradations to the optimal plan and allows the user to add or change resources if appropriate. Different degradation rules are used at different levels of the plan. For example in long-term mode the system might advise on the need for new docking bays for a given branch, warehouse or plant, while in short-term mode it might only be able to request agency drivers for a given day. In realtime mode it might only be allowed to indicate delays expected due to a shortfall in warehouse capacity or available vehicles at a given time. DISC's fleet management system includes rules for use of own resources or 3PL (third party logistics) drivers and trucks. Optimization rules can also be applied to other business and/or logistics constraints.

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Planning large multidrop/multicollect operations requires the use of powerful and efficient vehicle routing algorithms to be embedded in the transport planning and distribution scheduling software. DISC includes an advanced routing package, enabling it to utilize a wide range of mapping/routing data from sources such as The AA, Navteq, Ordnance Survey and MapInfo. Furthermore, the trip routing software includes functionality such as:

• Vehicle routing taking one-way streets into account
• Trip routing taking restricted junctions into account
• Varying speeds by road type and time of day
• Trip routing of vehicles to avoid toll roads and toll bridges
• Trip routing vehicles taking account of congestion charges
• Delivery routing taking account of customer access constraints by time of day
• Night time/weekend lorry routing controls (e.g. the London 'Brown' routes)
• Weight restrictions (e.g. for truck routing)
• Height restrictions (e.g. for truck routing)
• Vehicle routing costs per mile/km
• Vehicle routing costs per hour
• Weight related vehicle routing costs
• Altitude related truck routing costs (e.g. trip routing to reduce hill climbing)

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DISC can be used by senior managers to examine `What if' scenarios for strategic planning, or in operational mode by planners. In `What if' mode the user can simulate future operations (e.g. Christmas plans) and can derive contingency plans for anticipated peak periods. This mode can also be used, for example, when analysing the need to create additional warehouse space or to modify the fleet profile by acquiring different vehicle types. The `What if' mode is also an ideal tool for third party logistics companies looking to expand their business.

User-friendly logistics management windows show graphical representations of the logistics distribution plan while the scheduling engine allows optimization of complicated transport logistics problems. The system contains scheduling and dispatch software modules which provide planners and managers with powerful interactive views of the whole network. The system is driven by a user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) in a WIMP environment and integrates easily with existing databases (including standard relational databases and XML-enabled Object-Oriented databases). All reports, which can be both graphical and tabular, can be designed or customised to meet the particular business needs of the user. `What if'/management reports may be configured differently to reflect the requirements of different users.

DISC's what-if scheduling and planning tools allow users to answer questions like:

• What if my fleet size was reduced by 10%?
• What if I used a third party logistics provider?
• What if my trip routing costs change?
• What if the distribution schedule could change daily?
• What if the WTD rules change? How will I optimize distribution logistics accordingly?
• What if I centralise transportation planning and logistics management?
• What if ... etc.

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DISC is the culmination of more than 15 years of experience developing distribution scheduling software systems, transport logistics management solutions, fleet optimization systems and third party logistics management (3PL) software. The DISC toolset consists of a large number of interconnected software ICs which may be configured to address a wide range of distribution scheduling problems. This approach allows MJC² to offer solutions for all types of distribution operations, and ensures that any special rules or requirements can be built in during the customisation and installation of the final system. MJC² produces tailor-made global logistics management solutions which are faster and cheaper to install than most package systems, and which are simple to use and fully configured to business requirements, ensuring that maximum benefits are delivered in the minimum time.

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DISC takes account of fleet maintenance and repair activities during the planning process. Maintenance activity can be scheduled based on fixed periods of unavailability or dynamically based on workload and assigned tasks. Integration with MJC²'s real-time dispatcher software REACT enables capture of real-time maintenance and vehicle activity data which can be used for forward planning of workshop activity. DISC includes configuration reporting and analysis modules to enable the assessment of vehicle performance/activity to assist with planning maintenance tasks. Additionally, DISC can integrate with workshop planning or fleet tracking systems to integrate fleet maintenance planning & management.

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Summary - Integrated Transportation Logistics Management & Distribution Optimization

Logistics management is an important part of any fleet optimization operation, and through precise planning with the right logistics software, huge savings can be realized across the logistics & distribution operation. DISC is a powerful and flexible scheduling optimization solution for transportation & logistics operations. Its scheduling engine is capable of solving highly complex routing and scheduling problems in a matter of seconds. It is applicable to all types of fleet operations and third party logistics (3PL) networks. DISC supports not only day-to-day scheduling and dispatch activities but also "what if" planning scenarios for advanced logistics management and tactical optimization. DISC provides state-of-the-art visual tools for data entry, manual scheduling and reporting to complement its optimization engine.

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