Product Details
Overall Functionality
TRST is a resource-scheduling tool
that can generate optimal Tractor, Trailer, and Driver schedules
for a given dispatching scenario. It is a stand-alone Windows based application
with an extremely user-friendly interface. Problem setup and solution generation
requires minimal user interaction virtually eliminating the
learning curve on the system.
TRST is designed to determine resource (tractor, trailer,
and driver) requirements for running a given set of routes.
It can be easily interfaced with routing and on-board
computer systems.
TRST needs the dispatch and duration
information about routes to generate optimal resource schedules. It consists of data management and scheduling
modules. Gantt
charts and text reports constitute the presentation features
of TRST. Solutions can be exported as text files
into MS Word or MS Excel.Data input is in the form of flat files.TRST uses powerful scheduling algorithms to generate
the three resource schedules.
In addition to generating optimal
resource schedules, TRST also enables benchmarking an existing
solution. Existing routes along with resource
assignments can be imported into the system ‘as is’ and calculated
to reproduce the benchmark solution.The new solution can then
be generated in TRST and compared to the benchmark solution.The
two solutions can be compared in the form of reports and Gantt
charts to identify opportunities for better resource utilization.
Data Management
Route data can be imported into TRST
in the form of ASCII files.
The data import wizard guides users through the setup
process for importing route data into the system. Very minimal
data entry is required during the setup.
All the user settings are stored in the system so that
repeated imports of data of same format will require absolutely
no data entry, minimizing user errors.
TRST’s Data View presents route data
in spreadsheet format.
This view enables users to sort the list of routes
based on different criteria (Route ID, Departure Time etc.),
get more details on any Route by double clicking on a row,
and provides drag and drop features.
As the solution is developed, the Data
View updates automatically to reflect the changes.
Scheduling
TRST uses robust scheduling algorithms
to schedule the imported routes within a predefined planning
horizon (1 or 2 weeks).
The algorithms are controlled by the user-defined parameters.
Parameters
Other than the planning horizon, the
parameters that can be defined are the DOT rules required
for driver scheduling (10-hour driving and 15-hour duty in
a 24-hour period), time between routes, tractor to trailer
ratio, and the option to slip-seat drivers.
Specifying a fixed ratio for the number of tractors
to trailers will let the system schedule the routes optimally
for tractors, calculate the number of trailers based on the
ratio, and assign the routes to trailers balancing their utilization
time (equal distribution of resource usage time).
Selecting not to slip-seat drivers will force the system
to use the same tractor for a driver on all his/her routes. Two sets of driver parameters can be defined
to be applied to the two different route types TRST handles,
OTR (Over the road) and Local (one-day routes).
Route type is set based on the information imported
for Route Type field in the data file.
If Route Type field is not imported, TRST treats all
routes as OTR routes.
The Resource (Tractor, Trailer, or
Driver) to Route assignments are presented in the form of
Gantt charts (one chart for each resource) and reports. TRST provides the users with the ability
to change these assignments, the departure times and departure
days of the routes.
The Gantt charts can be printed or saved for presentations.
A major strength of TRST’s schedule
charts is the configurability of the graphic/spatial representation
of the routes. The time scale can be configured to present
data on a 1-day to 2-week horizon.
The height of each row can be changed as required. At any time, the statistical information
of a route can be obtained by double clicking on the bar that
corresponds to it on the chart.
The labels on the bars distinguish routes on the chart.
When a route is dragged and dropped (at a different
time or day or resource) it is automatically re-simulated. Important resource statistics are also
presented on the chart for quick reference.
While scheduling routes for a driver,
TRST ensures that the DOT regulations are complied with, by
considering the rules in any rolling 24-hour period during
the planning cycle/horizon.
Reports & Exports
Various reports are available for printing.
Route Summary, Tractor, Driver, and Trailer utilization
reports can be viewed and printed.
These reports can also be exported as text files and
imported into MS Word or MS Excel for further configuration.
All the resource schedules can be presented in the form of
Gantt charts.
Sample
Reports
Tractor Utilization and Route Summary reports are shown in the following figures. The resource utilization report includes a summary of all the key
statistics of all the resources in the system in addition
to the details of the routes assigned to them. Key resource statistics include Utilization Time, Down Time, and
Miles etc. Route Summary report lists all the routes in the project with the
details (Departure Time, Departure Day, Elapsed Time, Tractor,
Trailer, Driver etc.)
Benchmarking & Solution
Comparison
Benchmarking is an important feature
of TRST. Existing
resource schedules can be imported into TRST ‘as is’ and evaluated
(after setting up appropriate parameters) using the Gantt
charts and reports. Furthermore, the statistics of existing
scheduling can be compared with those generated by TRST. The schedule comparison feature presents
users with key statistics that indicate the efficiencies that
can be realized by optimizing the resource schedules with
TRST. A side-by-side visual comparison of the
schedules is possible by tiling the ‘before’ and ‘after’ Gantt
charts for any of the resources.
The comparison statistics as well as the summary statistics
can be printed out.
Technology
Developed in Visual C++ using Object
Oriented Design (OOD) methodology and Component Object Model
(COM) concepts. Uses
industry standard STL (Standard Template Libraries) and streaming
techniques for efficient data storage, retrieval, and persistence.
TRST does not require any database drivers or software.
Key Features & Benefits
·
TRST can be used as an operational
decision support tool providing an estimate of required number
of Tractors, Trailer, and Drivers for a particular dispatching
scenario. It also generates resource schedules that
can result in significant cost reduction by using only the optimal
number of resources required.
·
Familiar user friendly interfaces
facilitating shorter learning curve. Problem set up is quick and easy, requiring
minimal data entry.
·
Provides 'as is' (existing)
and 'should be' (optimal) operational views for comparison. TRST uses proven algorithms, which have
been used in the Transportation industry for similar applications.
·
Technical architecture is
based on Object Oriented design principles, which enable plug
and play of functionality.
·
Comprehensive reports, charts,
and exports of data and solution.
Summary and comparison statistics can be generated
and printed.
·
Runs in all Windows environments.
For
Pricing Information Please Call Toll Free: 772-224-1116
Paradox Software Consulting,
Inc.
5082 S.E. Inkwood Way
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
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