www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2022 Truck and Track 69 INTERMODAL TRANSPORT SOFTWARE +44 (0) 121 585 6633 | www.ptvgroup.com | enquiries.uk@ptvgroup.com Easily plan your orders in efficient routes with PTV Route Optimiser Want to learn more about route optimisation software? Free eGuide download PTV Route Optimiser is a system that automatically distributes orders among available vehicles. Algorithms distribute it based on restrictions, preferences, orders, areas and locations to create efficient and logical routes. Save costs and time Reduce CO2 emissions Increase load factor Higher profit margin Faulty interfaces Companies that want to go a step further and automate their planning usually rely on additional planning systems from other software vendors. When using different systems side by side, a major challenge quickly arises: how do we ensure that the data in both systems remains synchronised? Existing interfaces often have their limitations. In addition, the speed of data exchange can be an issue. For example, today’s schedule is not ready following issues with yesterday, yet continues 24/7. Planners must be able to intervene quickly in the event of unexpected changes, such as a breakdown of a vehicle, a delay in an assignment or a long traffic jam on the way. Planning algorithm integration Today, another solution is possible: integration of planning algorithms directly into the ERP, CRM or TMS system. This means that these algorithms are called directly from the system without the hassle of interfaces and data synchronisation. In this way, the system is enriched with additional planning functionality. This not only results in more efficient planning and lower costs, but also frees up the planners’ time during the day. They can spend this on optimisation, monitoring of the planning, contact with customers and employees. Integration of different planning algorithms means that users only need to use one software system. All data remains in one database, so no data is lost. Users don’t lose time importing and exporting data files. Also for other departments Integration of planning algorithms does not only benefit the planning department. Other departments also benefit from the extra functionalities. The sales department can use the algorithms to calculate quotations. If a customer has questions about a quote, the change in costs can be calculated with a few clicks. The finance department can rely on the planning algorithms for subsequent calculation: are the transport or toll costs specified in the invoices received, correct? Which functionalities are we talking about now? The main ones are: ■ Routing: calculate times, distances and costs. For a trip from A to B, a planning algorithm quickly calculates the number of miles, but also the driving and rest times. Any toll costs are immediately visible, so that they can easily be passed on. ■ Mapping: integration of a digital map in the software. The map shows customers, suppliers and the calculated routes using HGV traffic restrictions. ■ Address Validation: linking geographical coordinates to addresses and vice versa (geocoding). If an address contains errors, they are corrected. Even if no addresses are known – such as construction sites – the planning algorithm can still calculate distances, times and routes based on the geographical coordinates. ■ Optimisation: optimising routes. How can we best divide the assignments over the different journeys to minimize the total costs? An algorithm that also takes into account all kinds of restrictions that are relevant for the planning. The capability is accessed via web API’s, the benefits can be noticed almost immediately with the addition of a planning algorithm. Even when used for five resources, the savings exceed the cost of the integration. www.ptvgroup.com
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