Software
Expedited Packages utilizes true multi-user software systems that automate routing, scheduling, dispatching, vehicle optimization and all other mobile workforce needs. By optimizing stops based on location, load and driver availability, we can provide more accurate arrival times to customers. Colorful and up-to-date maps give dispatchers a complete picture of what's happening in the field. GPS and Wireless communication capabilities interface with handheld devices, keeping management in constant touch with what's happening in the field. The system is graphically driven and can be used as accurate, real time snapshot of the true situation on the field.
We utilize a new scripting language that successfully integrates the routing, scheduling and dispatching data as well as customer information, driver locations, work orders and more than 200 other customizable business rules to ensure the highest level of productivity, including optimized schedules and routes. The results are: Automated routing, scheduling and dispatching functions Greater levels of automation to our field representative and mobile contractors. The latest technology to improve operational efficiency, customer service and contact, and overall business operations. More productivity with field representatives, drivers and dispatchers, as well as, billing and accounting personnel functioning at a high level with the right technology system in place.
State of the Art
The range of capabilities that our processing engines can deliver to our applications is numerous and includes literally hundreds of typical tasks routinely performed manually and allows us to provide solutions for field representatives and transportation/delivery personnel. Some of these functions include the following:
- Mapping of customer locations
- Optimizing routes for multiple stops a day for multiple drivers
- Managing and assigning work orders to the correct field representative
- Automating dispatching functions
- Enabling data to be transmitted to wireless devices
- GPS tracking
- Automating customer communications
- Improved customer service calls
- Management reporting capabilities
- Package Tracking
Provides an electronic, paperless method for package tracking including proof of delivery over many platforms including, Internet, intranet and extranet connection. This is accomplished by utilizing our customized enterprise tracking system, our own Smartrac desktop barcode labeling program and our handheld scanning system for data capture of inbound, outbound and delivery information.
The advantages of electronic tracking accountability compared to manual tracking are numerous. Anyone with a tracking number (the bar-coded number read by the scanners) can either call customer service or track the package directly on the Internet/extranet. Whether it is the billing customer or the consignee, it is easy to check the status, date and time of each scan as it moves through our delivery network, up to and including the proof of delivery with the name of signer at consignee location. In cases where there has been no delivery due to unavailability of the consignee, an electronic notification can be dispatched back to the customer via email to automatically update the status.
Package bar-coding can be utilized in two ways:
If a billing customer has the ability to produce a barcode tracking number at the package level and can electronically transmit a shipment file or advanced notification file of all the day's shipments, we can easily scan, track and report on each package. The advantage here is the internal control of the package ID, which in most cases translates to an internal invoice or control number is already accessible to customer service, billing or auditing departments of the billing customer and can be used as a tracking number. If the billing customer cannot provide this internal package ID, then, as an option, we can install our own Smartrack desktop system at each distribution center. This system provides the same functions as all major overnight transportation management companies, including printed manifest at the end of day. Barcode Labeling Program
Our barcode-labeling program provides consignee specific labels, sometimes referred to as “smart” labels that help facilitate optimized routing, tracking and efficiency. We install this system on your shipping dock and you use it much like you would any other major overnight transportation company's system. However, with our system the shipping clerk types or scans the consignee account number and a shipping label prints either with full address showing or a barcode only label so as not to interfere with any preprinted label already provided by the billing customer. It also provides a paper manifest and/or an electronic manifest that can be transmitted to our host computers.
The system installed is generally provided at no charge and is a small footprint Windows 98 computer with a Zebra high capacity barcode label printer.
