Distribution Software & Logistics Planning Systems

MJC²'s distribution planning & logistics optimisation software 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 software system in the World and one of the few capable of coping with very complex logistics management and transport planning problems.

DISC models single-depot and multi-depot operations, optimising multidrops, backhauls, transhipments, trunking movements, hub-and-spoke networks, crossdocks, multicollects, reverse logistics and intermodal movements. Furthermore the system can plan related activities such as warehouse operations, sortation, load building and yard management to ensure that an integrated and feasible distribution/logistics schedule is created. 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 the links below:

• Transport Planning & Logistics Scheduling
• Delivery Planning Software & Collection Scheduling
• Integrated Distribution Logistics Optimization
• Load Building & Load Planning
• Fleet Management & Resource Optimization
• 'What if' Scenario Planning
• Configurable Transport & Logistics Planning Software
• Fleet Maintenance Planning & Scheduling

In today's highly competitive haulage & logistics market, fleet optimization using vehicle scheduling & delivery planning software has become a necessity for large supply chain networks. The DISC logistics scheduling software, with its advanced transportation planning algorithms, gives logistics management teams or third party logistics (3PL) companies the transport planning tools they need to optimise their fleet. DISC can schedule all aspects of the logistics operation, including primary distribution (e.g. collections from suppliers to Regional Distribution Centres or trunking between composite depots) and secondary distribution (e.g. from distribution centres to retail outlets, customers or branches) as well as reverse logistics, customer returns or backhauls.

DISC provides powerful tools for solving large and complex operational and strategic distribution planning problems, maximising service levels while minimising costs. 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 meeting tight delivery windows are paramount. Typical applications include delivery planning, retail distribution scheduling, haulier planning, home delivery scheduling, wholesale distribution optimisation, road haulage scheduling, parcel/express delivery scheduling, freight transport optimisation and bulk haulage planning.

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MJC²'s delivery scheduling tools optimise the assignment of work to vehicles and drivers to maximise productivity and resource utilisation. The delivery route planning system takes account of constraints such as time windows, vehicle type and capacity, driver hours, access restrictions, load compatibility, temperature control, etc. The route planner optimises vehicle delivery schedules to minimise distance travelled and hours worked while fulfilling customer orders. Collection operations can also be scheduled, and DISC can create integrated delivery/collection routes to maximise vehicle utilisation while minimising empty running.

DISC's route planning tools have the flexibility to schedule a wide range of delivery/collection operations such as home delivery, distribution to retail stores, bulk delivery/collection, parcel delivery, food & beverage distribution, palletised logistics, etc. The vehicle scheduling algorithms can be integrated with warehouse & depot planning tools to ensure that the delivery or collection schedule can be executed without incurring excessive costs in other parts of the network.

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Unlike most delivery scheduling software systems, DISC optimizes the transport and warehouse operations using an integrated model. This ensures that all aspects of the distribution operation are planned in a coordinated way. Vehicles, drivers, trailers, shunters, loaders, warehouse operatives, docks, bays, lanes, etc. can be included in the distribution schedule.

To achieve this, all transport and warehouse variables and constraints are modelled e.g.:

• 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 logistics scheduling system produces an integrated set of distribution plans with corresponding loads and schedules which cover:

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

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Our distribution scheduling software includes sophisticated load building functionality which can automatically optimise the load planning process. DISC can automatically calculate how each vehicle should be loaded while taking account of operational factors such as product compatibility, temperature control, stacking/packing constraints, customer delivery constraints, weight balancing, object size, driver training requirements, combination of dispatch unit sizes, preferred loading sequence, multidropping/multicollecting, special equipment, etc. MJC² is also able to integrate customised or bespoke load building rules if required. This ensures that load building is part of the overall distribution planning process so that resulting transport and warehouse schedules are feasible in terms of vehicle loading constraints.

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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 fleet management 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 strategic planning 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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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 transport planning windows show graphical representations of the distribution plan while the scheduling engine allows optimization of complicated logistics management problems. The scheduler is driven by a user-friendly graphical interface and integrates easily with existing supply chain execution systems. All reports, which can be both graphical and tabular, can be designed or customised to meet the particular business needs of the user.

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 result of nearly 20 years of development of distribution software tools, 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 components which may be configured to address a wide range of distribution scheduling problems. This approach allows MJC² to provide 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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