Resource Planning: Transportation Resource Scheduling Tool

Static Fleet Sizing

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 the routing and on-board computer systems.

TRST needs the dispatch and general information about Routes to generate optimal transportation 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 different resource schedules.

In addition to generating near-optimal resource schedules, TRST also enables the benchmarking of 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 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 utilisation.

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, minimising user errors.

TRST's Data View presents route data in a spreadsheet format. This view enables users to sort the 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. This view presents a text representation of the data imported into the system.

As the solution is developed, the Data View is updated automatically to reflect the data update.

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 utilisation 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.

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 (to a different time, day or resource) it is automatically re-simulated. Important resource statistics are also presented on the chart for quick reference.

While scheduling routes on a driver, TRST ensures that Fatigue Management regulations are complied with by considering the rules in rolling 24-hour periods.

Reports & Exports

Various reports are available for printing. Route Summary, Tractor, Driver, and Trailer utilisation 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 Utilisation and Route Summary reports are shown in the screenshots in the right-hand sidebar. The resource utilisation 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 Utilisation Time, Down Time, 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 realised by optimising 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) for efficient data storage and retrieval. TRST runs on Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000 or NT.

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 the optimal number of resources required.

1. Familiar user friendly interfaces facilitating a shorter learning curve. Problem set up is quick and easy, requiring minimal data entry.
2. 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.
3. Technical architecture is based on Object Oriented design principles, which enable plug and play of functionality.
4. Comprehensive reports, charts, and exports of data and solution. Summary and comparison statistics can be printed.
5. Runs in Windows 95/98/2000 or NT environments.