Jan/Feb 2006

Routing and scheduling systems, which are currently being given new life by the ability of telematics to add a real-time dimension, have come under the scrutiny of the UK Government's Best Practice initiative.

They feature in a new 40-page A4 booklet called Computerised Vehicle Routing and Scheduling (CVRS) for efficient logistics, which explains what they are, how they work and what kind of savings they can offer.

It concludes that a properly implemented system can bring established transport operators typical cost savings of between 10 and 20 per cent. The cost of achieving this for a fleet of 20 to 25 vehicles can be in the order of £25,000 to £30,000, the booklet says, and it warns that effective implementation scan be tricky; but it suggests that such a system "generally brings rapid return on investment."

The publication includes real-life case studies on named operators, and suggests a list of around half a dozen suppliers which it says are the leaders in the UK (DPS, LogiX, Optrak, Paragon, Roadnet, Descartes and TruckStops/MapMechanics). There are even comparative tables of features.