Vehicle routing and scheduling systems really can be powerful and flexible, and make use of the latest developments in digital mapping and real-world operating conditions, while at the same time offering accessibility, user-friendliness and ease of set-up and integration. Map-based analysis is also easier and more practical then ever before, harnessing and improving the efficiency and reducing the costs of network planning and logistics operations.
These are key themes among the solutions on display on the MapMechanics stand number 13 at the Logistics Link 2005 exhibition, which runs at Sandown Park, Esher from 1 to 2 February 2005.

The event is one of the first at which the company will be exhibiting the latest version 3.0 of TruckStops, the world-leading routing and scheduling system, since it began shipping. Not only does this have a brighter and more configurable user interface; its popular drag-and-drop features have also been extended. For instance, working interactively, users can now transfer whole groups of call points directly from one route to another and immediately see the results, then decide whether or not to break pre-set operating rules. Presentation options in TruckStops now include enhanced Gantt charts.

“Operators love this kind of interactivity,” says managing director Mary Short. “There’s no substitute for seeing what’s happening right in front of you on a real map.” This interactivity has been enhanced, she adds, now that users can use a map backdrop of their own choice with TruckStops. Typically they might choose familiar colour mapping from specialists such as AA, Ordnance Survey or NAVTEQ, which are all available from MapMechanics.

“TruckStops can now base its calculations on road network maps – a feature which is proving highly popular with users, and has prompted significant new demand for it.” TruckStops’ latest report writer is also proving highly popular, Mary Short adds, allowing users to perform their own analysis. “And comprehensive data links mean it is easier than ever to import order data directly into TruckStops, or push optimised schedules out to traffic or other departments.”

Operators concerned about the forthcoming Working Time Directive are looking increasingly to TruckStops to deal with drivers’ regulations, Mary Short says. MapMechanics works with specialist WTD consultants and existing customers to ensure it fully reflects the practical impact of the new legislation on their daily activities.

The directive is already creating increasing demand for depot coverage analysis as the reach of a truck in a shift is reduced. Operators needing to re-plan depot networks in response to this can take advantage of an affordable solution from MapMechanics for helping businesses allocate resources more effectively on a geographical basis. This can be used for instance to evaluate the travel cost reductions achieved by adding more depots against the increased costs of expanding the infrastructure.

Another increasingly popular module is Service Allocator, which helps users find the best delivery depot to serve customers – and also provides a ranking of alternatives. It calculates distances either from road network maps or a direct crow-fly basis, so users can choose whichever is better-suited to the project.

In MapMechanics logistics solutions users can decide which roads to consider (for instance, all roads or just main roads), and can apply their own speed criteria. Alternatively, they can take advantage of special ITIS road speed data files available from MapMechanics, which differentiate between real-world speeds achievable at various times of day (peak, off-peak and so on). Maps with road-speed data are also available for vehicle tracking, transport planning and numerous other applications.

Another key facility from MapMechanics is fast and accurate isochrone calculations, demonstrating how far vehicles can travel in a given time, or what locations fall within the potential area of coverage.