Spring 2007

Two of the UK's most well-known systems suppliers have teamed up to offer an integrated fleet tracking and scheduling system called Total Transport System.

TTS combines Paragon's scheduling and resource optimisation application with Isotrak's real-time vehicle tracking and transport execution solutions.

While this may sound like many existing systems, the chief differentiator is that live data captured from the on-board Isotrak hardware is relayed back to a central server (hosted by Isotrak) where it is automatically fed into the routing software.

The software reschedules routes, taking into account loads, drivers and vehicles, to make the best of the available resource. Outstanding parts of the schedule are adjusted automatically in real time to accommodate unforeseen events such as delays in the supply chain, congestion and weather.

TTS is aimed at distribution centre-based fleets of 100 vehicles or more, where there are multiple trips per driver per day and multi-shifted vehicles.

'TTS's ability to continually re-optimise resource allocation translates into a fantastic commercial advantage for medium and large delivery fleet operators,' says Will Slater, managing director of Paragon. Target customers include 3PLs and inbound goods suppliers, as well as large retail-store delivery fleets.

Although the system does not specifically target home deliveries, such operations might benefit from automatic live updating of schedules. If a customer has been promised a 2 pm delivery, for example, and the original vehicle will not be back at base in time to be loaded, the delivery can be reallocated automatically to another vehicle.

'TTS will enable operators to get the most from their fleets, day by day, hour by hour, regardless unexpected obstacles,' says Craig Sears-Black, marketing director of Isotrak.