May 3, 2011 -
PRLog -- Scottsdale, Ariz. – The summer months can be a draining season for inbound shipment drivers and dock workers alike as they cope with rising temperatures and flared tempers during the delivery process. Distributors, manufacturers, warehouses and other facilities without a proven dock-scheduling procedure face long delivery lines, increased wait times, and unnecessary idling of trucks, which adds to the already high level of emissions produced worldwide. That’s why a growing number of these facilities are incorporating Appointment-
Plus online scheduling software into their operations to automate, streamline and improve their dock-scheduling and delivery procedures.
A leader in online scheduling software for docking operations since 2001, Appointment-
Plus (http://www.appointment-
plus.com/index.php)
provides dock managers and staff the proven Web-based tools needed to simplify this important component of the logistics chain. These include:
• Online driver/carrier self-scheduling, which allows them to view available delivery times and schedule their shipments through any Internet connection when it’s most convenient for them and at any hour of the day, not just during normal facility operating hours. Facilities simply provide the drivers and carriers their unique URL to access the scheduler.
• Automated e-mail and text message reminders that can significantly reduce the number of late or missed deliveries.
• Robust record-keeping and reporting capabilities that manages all carrier contact information and delivery notes in one centralized, secure location that’s easier to manage than in paper schedule books or spreadsheets.
“Having a dependable scheduling process in place is crucial for any facility or operation that routinely receives inbound shipments,” says Bob La Loggia, CEO of StormSource Software, the developer of Appointment-
Plus. “Businesses that have implemented Appointment-
Plus have experienced dramatic—and in some cases, instant—improvements in the way they manage their deliveries.”
Crescent Crown Distributing, one of the top five beer distributors in the nation, turned to Appointment-
Plus after its “first-come, first-serve”
delivery model proved inefficient at its Phoenix location. It routinely experienced a long line of trucks that stretched down the adjacent street, which led to long waiting periods and strained dock staff who struggled to cope with this influx of deliveries. The distributor now requires all drivers to schedule their deliveries online, and it only allow five drop-offs at a time. In addition to improving efficiency, the company also saves between $500 and $1,000 each week in overtime salary expenses, as it can better schedule its dock workers around the delivery times.
“It’s the single best change we’ve made in many, many years,” says Scott Trotter, warehouse manager at the Crescent Crown.
Other companies that have benefited from Appointment online scheduling software include international manufacturers Georgia-Pacific, who saves an average of 80 hours and $2,000 each day by using the scheduling system on approximately 40 of its docks; and Sonoco, which avoids the $150-$200 fees many carriers charge for holding a truck at an unloading dock for more than two hours.
As a Web-based application, Appointment-
Plus requires only an Internet connection to access and utilize. Pricing starts at $39 per month, with no long-term contracts. All sign-ups receive a complimentary training session with a professional set-up coach during their 15-day free trial period.
“Scheduling inbound deliveries over the phone and recording them in a paper appointment book are quickly becoming a thing of the past,” La Loggia continues. “More and more facilities are turning to Appointment-
Plus online scheduling software to perfect this important, yet time-consuming, task.
“Our dock-scheduling system helps facilities get their deliveries in and out fast, a benefit to both them and their carriers and drivers.”
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About Appointment-
Plus: Appointment-
Plus (
http://www.appointment-plus.com/index.php) supplies over 4,500 clients throughout the United States, Canada and 10 other countries the tools they need to efficiently, accurately and automatically schedule appointments and sessions, book rooms, accept registrations and many other services. The flagship product of Scottsdale, Ariz.-based StormSource Software, the online application has scheduled over 60 million appointments since its launch in 2001. Users of the software include distributors, manufacturers, warehouses and other inbound facilities, Fortune 500 companies, healthcare agencies and facilities, and federal and local government, as well as small businesses such as medical offices, spas, salons, health clubs and massage therapists.
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About Appointment-
Plus: Appointment-
Plus (http://www.appointment-
plus.com/index.php)
supplies over 4,500 clients throughout the United States, Canada and 10 other countries the tools they need to efficiently, accurately and automatically schedule appointments and sessions, book rooms, accept registrations and many other services. The flagship product of Scottsdale, Ariz.-based StormSource Software, the online application has scheduled over 60 million appointments since its launch in 2001. Users of the software include distributors, manufacturers, warehouses and other inbound facilities, Fortune 500 companies, healthcare agencies and facilities, and federal and local government, as well as small businesses such as medical offices, spas, salons, health clubs and massage therapists.
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