The Dispatch module is the heart of the operation from a people perspective.
The system supports two types of dispatching: Local and Long Distance.
The information is very similar but the requirements from a person's point of view are dramatically different. For Local to work you need to see everything that is happening today and what ever day you are currently planning. Local also changes within a very short time where the Long Distance has a few days to work with in most cases.
Almost all the required information is available at a glance for the dispatcher. Full order details are just a click away from almost every screen. Same with the vehicle, trailer, driver, and helper files.
For the repetitive planning in Long Distance we have the "Auto Dispatch" function which pulls in the preplanned outline for how an order should be serviced. Just change the dates and you should be fine.
Not only do we support Local and Long Distance planning but we also have screens for HVP and HHG. So we can say we support HHG, HVP, LTL, and TL dispatching.
We also support issuing confirmation/requests to other carriers via the Haulers Planning screens.
Again, the premise of entering data once and using it every where is still very much in use here. Where ever possible we pull information and display it when needed or use it in the current function.
With the Satellite and Warehouse integrated with the system, events in these modules trigger the corresponding events within dispatch. For example: the driver sends in a Pick Up Completed message via satellite.
- the system looks through dispatch and confirms the assignment.
- updates the hauler status as Pick Up Done.
- updates the order status as Pick Up Done.
- inserts the date and time of the pick up into the order status.
- updates the vehicle position.
The warehouse's bar code scanning system will also update dispatch:
- upon unloading a trailer and confirming the pieces the system checkes through dispatch for any set offs at this warehouse.
- update the hauler status as Delivery Done.
- update the order status as Set off.
- update the Last Known Setoff Position on the order status.
It is this tight integration within the system that allows for near real time status updates with the customer via the desired channels.
The system also supports tracking Available Equipment so you can produce a listing to send to other carriers and post on the web site. This list is integrated with the Hauler Activity and Satellite systems for quick adding of entries.
When Local is picking up or delivering a long distance order, it will automatically update the Hauler Activity so you do not have to yell across the room to the other dispatcher.
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