SCHEDULING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTION OF PERISHABLE LOADS OF PRE-MIXED CONCRETE TO MULTIPLE SITES

摘要

A method and system for distribution of loads of pre-mixed perishable concrete is disclosed. The system and method allow for the scheduling of multiple delivery units to receive loads from one of multiple possible load sites to deliver such loads to one of multiple possible delivery sites. The system and method determines a transport itinerary for each delivery unit to meet scheduling constraints.

主权项

1. A process performed by a computer processor for directing a plurality of delivery units to deliver loads of pre-mixed perishable concrete to a plurality of delivery sites, wherein the load for any delivery site may be received from one of several load sites, the process comprising:
a. identifying delivery units available for making deliveries and a current location of each; b. identifying each delivery site needing one or more deliveries of concrete; c. identifying each load site where loads may be taken on; d. receiving real-time information relevant to the scheduling and routing of concrete deliveries; e. calculating estimated travel times and routes from the current location of delivery units to load sites, and from load sites to delivery sites based at least in part on the real-time information; f. removing from consideration for a particular delivery a delivery unit having travel times in excess of a perishability time limit for the load corresponding to a delivery site; g. processing the real-time information to assign a delivery unit to each delivery site to deliver a load of concrete in a manner that minimizes the total overall cost; h. assigning a transport itinerary to each delivery unit that is assigned a delivery site; and i. transmitting to each delivery unit the assigned transport itinerary for the particular delivery unit.