Archive for July, 2009

The most efficient bulk distribution companies have used technology and business process changes to drive significant distribution efficiencies.   We have seen reductions of 30% of total distribution costs  versus manual systems – less trucks, labor and miles.  Additionally, we have seen increases in delivery efficiency for keep full accounts where the best companies deliver > 90% of contracted amounts versus averages of manual systems at less than 70%.

With margins often being fixed, especially on national accounts, companies must improve distribution efficiencies in order to be competitive and profitable.  This roadmap outlines the business processes and technologies BizSpeed has seen have the highest impact or interest. For each area, we present:

• What the efficiency is
• Why it is important
• Where it fits
• Symptoms for investigation

The areas addressed include:

• Distribution Efficiency Assessment – analysis of actual orders, distribution centers and efficiency
• Keep Full Analysis – analysis of auto-replenishment efficiency
• GPS – tracking, exception reporting, engine diagnostics, directions and plan-vs-actual analysis
• Wireless Tank Monitoring – remote tank monitoring
• Mobile – Proof of Delivery and automated field data capture
• Route Optimization – optimizing the scheduled stops for fewest miles, least trucks, least labor
• Dispatching – electronic dispatch board for managing deliveries and pickups
• Metrics and Data Warehousing – monitoring and analysis of current and historical distribution

While the characteristics of pickups and deliveries range bulk distributors (fuels, lubes, chemical and hazmat), there are common threads to achieving an efficient distribution network. BizSpeed provides solutions through our own software as well as through partner software and hardware to address all of the areas listed. For more information please contact us at:

• Toll free: 866.270.0541
• sales @ bizspeed.com

For access to the full whitepaper, please register below.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

BizSpeed has released support for wireless truck scale integration with Mettler Toledo and Fairbanks electronic scales. According to Chris Henry, BizSpeed’s President, “We’re excited to provide support for truck scales. This is particularly helpful for bulk customers, as the wireless integration with our goRoam mobile allows fully electronic integration where a driver can roll over the scale, print a ticket from the scale and have their volume calculated automatically by goRoam when they weigh heavy and weigh light.”

From a driver standpoint, the wireless integration allows drivers to have their volume calculated automatically without having to rekey or manually calculate. From a management standpoint, we electronically capture truck weight from the scale in near real-time, so you know when and what the truck plus product weighed.  For single product deliveries, such as bulk bleach, we calculate volume based on the product density and product weight, minus the weight of the truck and trailer. This allows management to know exactly how much product was loaded.

Each delivery in the goRoam mobile application records quantities delivered per tank, along with stick readings. Drivers know exactly how much inventory is left on the truck at each stop, and management has the same visibility in near real-time. When drivers return to the plant and weight light, we calculate the remaining product and can compare that against deliveries for exception reporting.

With the goRoam and MobileHub architecture, BizSpeed has a straightforward model for additional scale model integration. The current models supported are:

• Mettler Toledo IND780 for existing Model 7560 MTS
• Fairbanks FB 3000 Series Instrument

For more information on bulk scale integration and wireless mobility,  please contact BizSpeed here or at toll-free 866-270-0541.