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Pathfinder can show the way o improving your operations
Page 95
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PATHFINDER is a computer programme. Like the one used for Ernie, the premium bond machine, you feed in a set of figures and get a result. Unlike Ernie there are no prizes, but Pathfinder has its own rich rewards.
Pathfinder was designed by British Road Services to determine the most cost effective distribution system for a particular company. Many companies have added to their distribution systems in a piecemeal way, after failing to take advantage of the increasing sophistication of vehicle design and the growth of motorways.
To find the most cost effective distribution system means starting with the basic problem. How much and where to? These questions are followed by consideration of the required service level, possible peaking effects, drop-size patterns of growth, manufacturing policy and so on.
Occasionally, all this information is readily available, but often it is necessary to go back to delivery notes, load summary sheets and other paperwork which can give a description of the day to day operating demands.
Distribution data
Very few, even quite simple distribution problems, suggest a single solution. In most cases a number of choices have to be considered.
This is where Pathfinder comes in. By combining a company's distribution data and computer file holding information on road conditions it is possible to run the program a number of times to test out various alternatives.
It is thus possible to change the number and locations of warehouses, vehicle sizes, service levels and shift lengths.
With the alternatives listed out, the next step is to compare costs against the advantages and disadvantages of each system. For example: A single national warehouse may reduce stock costs, but might be considered too vulnerable as a consequence of industrial action.
To show the strategic planning that goes into the development of distribution schemes, here are three case histories based on actual operations. They are particularly interesting as they cover the effective use of three types of vehicles: tractive unit and The company is a grower of market produce near the South Coast. It needs to deliver its produce nationally within 10 hours of packing to preserve freshness and quality.
Distribution outlets include wholesale markets, distribution resources for supermarkets, chains and greengrocery wholesalers.
Loading has to be completed between midday and 6pm, all goods delivered by six o'clock next morning.
Traditionally the distribution was undertaken by rigids and artics operating from the packing plant and attracting the obvious problems associated with long hauls from a difficult location.
To improve the quality of the produce the company decided that the logical step was to consider the use of refrigerated equipment. BRS was approached and invited to analyse the throughput data and refrigeration requirements.
Analysis of these requirements led to the decision that articulation was logical and the system could be improved by outbasing the vehicles at the contractor's premises.
, This excludes the distribution to London and South East which can be handled direct from the packing plant.
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