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Delivery allocation by `Computamap'
Page 76
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• New methods of allocating delivery areas and assessing alternative locations of new depots and works have streamlined the Blue Circle cement manufacturing group's distributive operation.
Using information fed into an IBM 360/50 computer, the group is able to match national demand for its products with its total production and depot capacity at any time.
The new system, formulated jointly with the Lamson Paragon business forms service, is known as "Computamap".
"Computamap" involves the print-out of distribution information direct on to maps reproduced from the Ordnance Survey. Each of the maps is divided into 10km squares and the computer prints into each square the appropriate source of supply to sites located in that square. Local distribution managers then work out the actual boundaries of these areas, taking into account geographical features such as rivers and bridges and known road or traffic problems.
Data for the printing operation are provided by the grid reference of the delivery point and the code number of the supply point. By providing the grii references of all delivery points, togethe with the code numbers of their suppl: points, several copies of a nationa distribution system can be rapidly producee Provided the information is available ii acceptable form the whole operation i completed in less than one hour and ; revised national distribution system conic be redirected within 24 hours. In such a cas each depot manager would quickly have ; map on his desk indicating precisely when his revised distribution area is.
Another advantage of the system is tha when the final invoices are put through th computer a check is made to ensure tha loads were delivered from the schedule4 depot. If they were not, the additional cost incurred by delivery from another depot an calculated.
The speed and flexibility of "Computa map" suggest many other applications fo which it could be adapted. For instance i could be possible to see at a glance the rout which should be followed by a lorrl delivering parcels or making multiple retai shop deliveries.