Logistics — страница 4

availability, outstanding order time windows and historical demand profiles in regions of delivery. AVL systems that are capable of reporting the status of multiple vehicles simultaneously reduce the cost of picking up inbound freight (backhauling). These systems disclose the closest available truck to the vendor from whom goods need to be transported. Real-time systems can be very affordable if purchased from companies with leading-edge proprietary technologies. For example, GATCO Technologies has lowered the cost of real-time reporting dramatically. They invented and patented a method of transmitting short bursts of data from moving vehicles without expensive cellular connection charges. AVL systems benefit purchasers in a variety of other ways. Key areas are these: Development

of "smart routes" Routes will evolve that get the same work done with fewer trucks and drivers when a good planning tool is combined with a good GPS product. Most AVL vendors can tell you exactly where your resources are at any time. But by itself, this information does not provide the means for improving the operation. However when actual performance is compared against a plan, fleet operators are provided a “road map” for improvement. GATCO Technologies an AVL provider, teamed up with Paradox Software Company, Inc. a logistics planning software vendor to provide solutions for continuous improvement of logistics systems. Companies using this combined technology can expect to reduce the resources they need to transport goods significantly. Improved driver

performance. Experience shows that once drivers know they are being monitored, their driving habits change for the better. Improvements are realized through reductions in speed and costly engine idling, elimination of unauthorized routes and stops as well as less time spent at authorized stops. Compliance. Staying in compliance with regulators is a tedious, labor-intensive, costly proposition for many companies. For example, fleet operators whose vehicles travel in multiple states must keep track of those miles so the right fuel tax can be paid. At the same time, keeping in compliance with drivers’ hours of service regulations is a top priority. AVL systems that provide automated and tamper- proof DOT driver logbooks and allocate miles by state without driver participation

virtually pay for themselves just in these areas alone. Incentive pay programs. Reduced to its simplest terms, incentive pay rewards the driver for performing the job as quickly and safely as possible. Actual trip data generated by the AVL system can be used to develop drive and stop standards to develop an incentive pay plan for drivers. Defending drivers involved in accidents. Incontrovertible trip data protects drivers who may be wrongly assigned blame in accidents. For example, a driver accused of running a stop sign and causing an accident can prove he was stopped at that very stop sign. Defending against fraudulent claims. Some companies are targets of fraudulent claims against their vehicles. Trip data can be reconstructed showing a vehicle’s exact location at any time

so this can be used to successfully repudiate the “eye witness” testimony of unscrupulous criminals. Reduced liability insurance. Monitoring and reducing driver speed reduces accident probability. Insurance companies look favorably at companies that control their drivers’ speed and some offer reductions in liability premiums. Fuel and maintenance savings. Monitoring and controlling vehicle speed and engine idling reduces fuel consumed and engine wear extending engine life. The longevity of vehicle components like gearboxes, axles, and break liners is extended as well through reduced wear. Financial analysis and reporting. Actual operational data produced by an AVL system can be soundly integrated with financial data for accurate profit and loss reporting and transportation

ratemaking. A few considerations in selecting the most suitable vendor are these: Decide what functionality is most important to your business and identify which vendors’ systems are best capable of delivering this. Many lower-priced systems provide vehicle location but do not automatically report miles by state and do not have DOT driver log capability. Negotiate with vendors who understand the intricacies of fleet operations. Ideally, the vendor should have persons on staff who have successfully managed fleet operations themselves. Develop a list of questions: What distinguishes the vendor’s technology? Does the vendor hold patents? How will drivers like the system? How much driver interaction is required? Is voice communications needed and does the vendor provide this? Can