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JADE
^ ANC

JADE
^ ANC
 

project:
Embrace

client:
ANC
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Technical Direct (UK) Ltd
Yorks Farm Business Centre
Watling Street East
Towcester
Northamptonshire
NN12 8EU
 
 

ANC Logistics
Improving efficiencies and bottom line cost savings at ANC Logistics

  In 2003, ANC Logistics approached Technical Direct looking for a development partner to assist with their custom “Embrace” solution.

ANC originally approached 40 potential suppliers, many via the Microsoft Partner web site. Technical Direct were selected for their demonstrable technical ability, alongside a proven track record of successful project delivery.

The “Embrace” solution was a .Net Windows application utilising a SQL Server 2000 database, as well as a legacy 16 bit text based application distributed to customers. A windows mobile application was also developed by another supplier. However, due to substantial growth in the business, the back-office developments were lagging behind and failing to deliver the promised business benefits.

Technical Direct were originally asked to assist in developing the outstanding functionality on the back-office application. A staged schedule delivered the requirements on a prioritised basis, working closely with the in-house development team.

This additional functionality included:
  • Automated pricing of shipments and generation of customer invoice values.
  • Recording and monitoring of customer contacts, with escalation procedures where responses were overdue.
  • Scheduled generation of management and customer reports with automated email.
  • Complex “least-cost” route determination through the network of line haul vehicles, with exception reporting where a shipment cannot be routed on-time.
  • Self-billing invoice generation on behalf of sub-contracted delivery drivers.
Having successfully delivered, Technical Direct were asked to provide a new windows application to replace the legacy system being distributed to customers. Again, responding quickly, the requirements were identified and the specification agreed. Technical Direct developed a new solution using the Microsoft .Net framework and localised MSDE installations.

This application was to be used by customers to:
  • Record shipments being made and produce all necessary labels and paperwork.
  • Communicate the shipment information directly to the back-office.
  • Maintain a localised copy of the tracking information for all shipments made and allow simple viewing and reporting of that information.
Windows Mobile

Technical Direct were asked to take over the failing windows mobile application. On review of the project source from the original supplier, it soon became apparent that the existing project was fundamentally flawed. The decision was taken it would be more efficient to start from scratch.

6 weeks later, ANC took first delivery of the new mobile application into their UAT environment. 2 weeks later it went into production.

The mobile application includes:

• Bar-coded data capture (including
PDF417)
• Real-time data validation and
exception reporting
• On-screen signature capture
• Real-time communications with SQL
Server via GPRS with localised
buffering in case of GPRS failure

Summary

Technical Direct worked with ANC Logistics in the creation of Embrace, their back office tracking solution. The solution delivers major operational and commercial savings across the business. A failing windows mobile application was rewritten, fully tested, and deployed within 8 weeks.

Benefits
  • Automated pricing and invoice generation.
  • Improved customer service via managed escalation process.
  • Easy-to-use, accurate reporting tools.
  • Cost saving “least cost” route planning.
  • Automated invoicing for sub- contractors.
  • Complete and successful replacement of windows mobile solution.
  • Rapid, robust development model, delivering robust and scaleable results.
Next Phase

Technical Direct continue to work closely with ANC Logistics and are now an integral part of the IT strategy planning for the division, as well as now being the sole developers of the “Embrace” solution.

The back-office, customer and mobile applications continue to evolve, reducing the levels of manual intervention in administering shipments. They also provide an accurate audit trail, allowing ANC to quickly identify the current location for each individual item at any given time.

Components

The solution was developed using the following technologies:
  • Microsoft .Net framework v1.1
  • Microsoft Visual Studio 2003
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2000 (and MSDE 2)
  • Microsoft Internet Information Services and ASP.Net
  • Microsoft .Net compact framework v1.0
  • Intermec 760 hand held terminals
  • XML & Internet protocols

More information

For more information please contact us at:

T: 01327 830109
E: findoutmore@technicaldirect.co.uk

Technical Direct (UK) Ltd
Watling Street East
Towcester
Northamptonshire
NN12 8EU.
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