Real-Time Network Capacity Balance Display System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calculating and managing load balance in transportation shipping are labor-intensive, outdated, and inaccurate, making real-time load booking decisions challenging due to the dynamic nature of driver and order availability.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that provides real-time network capacity and balance information through a geographical map display, updating every 15 minutes or less, using a database that calculates available driver/truck capacity and load capacity, and determines optimal pick-up times for trucks to ensure on-time service with optimal driver availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If periodic counts are used to flow information to executive, sales, and operation teams, then information is provided to stakeholders, but the capacity balance counts become outdated and inaccurate quickly due to real-time changes in driver and order availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of counting trucks and loads with an automated computer-based system that calculates capacity balance in real-time. The system uses software to automatically retrieve data from dispatch operating systems and update capacity balance counts continuously, eliminating the need for manual form filling and periodic updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-updating of capacity balance information by integrating with existing dispatch operating systems. The computer automatically retrieves current truck and load data, performs calculations, and updates displays without human intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in maintaining accurate real-time capacity balance information.
2Ease of operation
If multiple operation managers manually determine capacity balance needs and fill out forms, then capacity balance information is communicated, but the process becomes labor-intensive and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual administrative process of form-filling and inter-manager communication with an automated computer-based information system. The system automatically calculates capacity balance needs and displays them electronically, eliminating manual labor and accelerating the decision-making process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based information system as an intermediary between operation managers and the capacity balance decision-making process. This intermediary automatically retrieves data, performs calculations, and presents information in an easily accessible format, simplifying communication and improving productivity.
3Reliability
If customer service representatives communicate with load planners for each load booking decision, then accurate load booking decisions are made, but the process requires significant communication time and reduces customer satisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized computer-based information system as an intermediary that both customer service representatives and load planners can access. This system provides both parties with the same real-time capacity balance information, eliminating the need for repeated communications while ensuring both make decisions based on accurate, up-to-date data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal information system that serves multiple functions: it provides capacity balance information to customer service representatives for immediate load booking decisions, simultaneously informs load planners of capacity needs, and maintains accurate records for all stakeholders. This multi-functional system eliminates silos and reduces communication overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of displaying a network balance comprises the steps of determining an inbound truck capacity, determining an outbound load capacity, and subtracting the inbound truck capacity from the outbound load capacity to determine the network balance. The network balance is displayed on a computer screen or a computer printout.