The Implementation Process

The implementation of any Route Optimisation will involve significant change management, but DPS will help with that process by assisting you with data interfacing to other systems and training you to get maximum benefits from the system.

Route Optimiser will help in the implementation process, but without your full commitment the process will not achieve the full potential benefits.

It should also be recognised that the decision to implement will often bring to light practices and operating methods that require immediate correction. This in itself may slow down the overall implementation process. However these changes will benefit the company in the long term even though it may have little short-term relevance to the scheduling process itself.

The company implementing Route Optimiser will normally appoint a Project Manager and DPS will work closely with them developing a formal Project Plan using one of the traditional Project Management products (see attached specimen Plan). Regular progress meetings will be held, itemising responsibilities for specific actions.

Key stages

Availability Of Software - Installation
With the exception of bespoke software all RO solutions are available for immediate installation. The physical installation itself will normally take no more than a few hours.
Interface With Other Systems
The Open Database Structure of RO and ODBC connectivity makes the interface with other systems such as SAP/R3 etc. a technically straightforward process.
Instructions from your Sales Order Processing (SOP) system for collection / deliveries to be scheduled by RO are imported using the RO IMPORT ENGINE provided.
The interface with your SOP system is usually carried out by the suppliers of the system or experienced IT professionals from inside the company. Typically this involves the preparation of the source data from your system into an ASCII or CSV file which RO can use. Another method of data input can be through a spreadsheet such as EXCEL.
The RO system has over 20 standard output reports to assist in the post scheduling link with other systems i.e. providing a file for a warehouse management system to organise order picking in drop sequence. It is the implementing company's responsibility to provide the links within their own systems.

Training

It is important that training is carried out in a suitable environment. It is recommended that at least initial training is carried out at DPS premises where interruptions can be kept to a minimum.

It should be noted that DPS are training in the use of a specialised form of scheduling product. Whilst the system does not require any specialist programming or database skills, a basic understanding of how to use a Windows PC is necessary. This will be explored at the initial project meetings.

The training of your scheduling personnel will normally be in the following form:

1 - 2 days Intensive training covering data import, interactive scheduling, using the automatic process, external reporting etc
Follow up training at customer request on specific points. This will normally be 3-4 half days over a 3-4 week period as the user has more advanced questions following more intensive usage of the system

Training of the above type is inclusive in our initial licence fee charge, however, all disbursements e.g. hotel, subsistence costs, etc. will either be arranged by the customer or charged for at cost.

Re-training of users or training of new staff after the initial implementation can be arranged at the current DPS rates.

Duration

Typically the implementation process for RO is short, the time taken often depending upon whether the application is for strategic or tactical usage.

In the case of strategic use, you can be up and running within a few days and will be confident and competent after about 3-4 weeks.

In the case of tactical usage, 4-6 weeks is more typical for larger implementations, but you can be up running in a few days if you only have a few vehicles.

The points, which may cause delay to the process, are:

Availability of Resources at the company implementing the system to provide either pre- or post-scheduling interfaces
Volume of Geo-Coding
Developing of any bespoke systems such as driver documentation

The implementation time for the RO system is generally much shorter than with other scheduling systems because:

The open database structure of the RO system makes it easier to integrate with other systems
The availability of a pre-established road network supplied with the system removes the need to create ad-hoc road networks
The RO system is extremely user friendly and intuitive.
The Geo-Coding utilities supplied with the RO system makes adding new calls extremely easy for the user

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