Co-op installs fleet.wide communications

EI'ARDWARE Wholesalers, Inc.'s 113,400 retail members may never again have to wonder about a late delivery. The co-op is currently in the process of equipping its delivery fleet with a mobile communication and information system to continually monitor each truck's location.

Designed to improve delivery efficiency and help the co-op more accurately project delivery schedules to retailers, the new cellular tracking system allows HWI and its truck drivers to instantly communicate with each other. HWI can send data messages regarding specific deliveries or backhauls directly to the truck. This saves delivery time and eliminates the need for drivers to interrupt the delivery route to call dispatchers to check their messages.

In return, drivers can key in a preprogrammed, coded message to update HWI on the status of the truck's delivery, schedule and the arrival and departure times for each delivery. HWI also automatically tracks each truck within 300 feet using global positioning and mapping software. This lets HWI more accurately inform member-stores when a delivery will arrive, which is especially helpful with weather or traffic-related delays.

In addition, each truck contains a separate on-board computer that collects information about the truck, such as fuel consumption and truck speed. HWI monitors this information to further improve truck operation efficiency.

While the technology has been around for a number of years, it has improved through cellular communications and become more affordable.

HWI first took note when the dedicated carrier serving its Woodburn, Or., distribution center installed satellite and data communications in late 1991.

HWI began the installation last July and expects all 116 tractors to be equipped by June. Although the co-op doesn't own a single truck (they are all fully dedicated or full service leased), convincing the trucking companies to add the equipment "wasn't as hard a sell as you might think," says Gary Lauman, HWI's manager-retail logistics services. "They recognized it would be mutually beneficial in controlling their operations and costs."

A main benefit to retailers will be receiving more accurate delivery time estimates, thereby reducing operating expenses. "The driver can call direct to the store if he's lost or confused about directions, so stores can adjust their manpower, so they don't bring in workers to meet the shipment at the wrong time, or they can shuffle them into other opportunities," Lauman explains.

Back-hauls will also be better managed, since vehicles, if needed, can be rerouted to stop by stores for pick-ups.

Story at a Glance

Co-op HWI installing mobile monitoring system on entire delivery fleet allows immediate response to delays, emergencies.

When used to its full capabilities, Lauman says, "the system will manage itself. It will beep and let us know when a truck is running behind. There is nothing worse than having a retailer call us and ask where a delivery is.

"Before. if a truck broke down, unless the driver could quickly walk to a phone, we might literally lose track of that truck. It would be invisible to us. Now we immediately know where it is and take steps, rerouting another truck, dispatching a new truck."