Brand new TruckStops web site creates knowledge base for logistics specialists

May 11, 2011 - PRLog -- A brand new web site, www.TruckStopsRouting.com, has been launched by UK-based MapMechanics, providing a knowledge base for logistics specialists and serving to present and promote the range of routing, scheduling and network planning solutions offered by the company.

Its launch follows closely on the acquisition by MapMechanics of the TruckStops routing and scheduling optimisation system from its American originator, MicroAnalytics.

MapMechanics has distributed and supported the TruckStops range in Britain for nearly twenty years. However, this is the first time TruckStops has had a separate web site in the UK.
“This is an exciting time for the UK’s scheduling and network planning world,” says Mary Short, founder and director of MapMechanics. “We are already working on new releases and additional features for the TruckStops range, and have increased the number of staff dedicated to the logistics area of the business, so we felt this was an ideal time to distinguish it more clearly from the other software and data products that we supply.”

Visually, the new TruckStopsRouting.com web site is clean-cut and modern, using techniques such as JavaScript to provide a responsive, interactive visitor experience.

It is divided into clearly separated areas covering routing and scheduling, network planning, territory management and map-based analysis. There is also an invaluable section on journey times, explaining underlying concepts such as how drivetime calculations are made, and how road network mapping can be used to provide just the required degree of detail in drive time calculation and journey planning.

For each logistics function there is a product section, not only listing the range of products that can be used to optimise a particular activity such as vehicle routing and scheduling, but also comparing the products and helping logistics specialists to identify the most relevant solution for their particular needs.

Routing and scheduling products include, for example, TruckStops VRS for multi-drop, multi-depot routing; TruckStops Loads for focusing on bulk movements of whole or part loads; and specific products for specific types of operation (for instance TruckStops Pallet Networks).

The site also makes it much easier for hauliers, transport companies and logistics professionals to keep up to date, as it provides a new blog. Visitors to the site can opt to sign up for email updates or to a direct RSS feed, which can be optionally then added to the “favourites” list of the user’s browser.

Access to training has also been given a facelift. The new site offers traditional centre-based introductory courses, together with trainer-led webinar education on specific topics (Focus courses) and short top-tip sessions called Pointers courses.

And if you are in the process of making your business case for investment in new optimisation software, the site includes numerous detailed case studies and pages showing how users gain significant returns on their investment.

Logistics users have much in common with other analysts, so the new TruckStops web site (http://www.TruckStopsRouting.com) also includes numerous links to other sites, including the GeoXploit map-based analysis web site (http://www.GeoXploit.com) and the main MapMechanics web site (http://www.MapMechanics.com).

For licensed users of TruckStops routing and scheduling optimisation solutions, the site also includes password-protected access to the user area, which features FAQs, downloads, “how to” documents and other support information.

In recent years TruckStops has been adopted by many leading names such as 7-Eleven, Wincanton, Gregory Distribution, Orkin Pest Control, Alliance Boots, Solaglas, Fenland Laundries, Allegiance Health Care, Richard Burbidge and Spicers.

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MapMechanics provide innovative map based solutions. Based in the United Kingdom they have been providing software, data and consultancy for logistics and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for over twenty years.