The DEPOTLINK Freight Management System is an Microsoft Windows based computer software package suitable for use by Transport Company branches to assist with processing freight details. It is specifically designed for remote branches or depots, is easy to learn and simple to use.

DEPOTLINK allows users to enter and maintain consignment details, allocate consignments to manifests and load summaries, print numerous reports and service account inquiries.

During data entry of outgoing consignments, client charges are automatically calculated based on service level, weight/item/pallet/cubic, destination and type of freight being shipped. All details are stored for further analysis and subsequently electronically transferred to the head office computer system using industry standard Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) interfaces.

In bound consignment details, manifests, consignment delivery statuses (e.g. POD’s), client account and rating details are electronically received in return from other branches via or from the head office computer system. Delivery manifests and other reports can then be printed.

DEPOTLINK’s powerful ‘Report Wizard’ is a breeze to use and allows an unlimited number of useful reports to be easily tailored
and or created by the user.

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Key Benefits

Transport Company Branch	Transport Company Head Office
Reduces telephone/ fax costs with head office	Reduces data entry costs using EDI methods
Provides for faster servcicing of client account queries	Bar coded labels improve freight tracking and security
Allows for printing of con. notes on behalf of clients	Reverse billing improves cash flow
Automatic rating and efficient data entry and reduces errors	Accurate data reduces errors and debtors queries
Access to account details to service	Improves Customer Service
Selects carrier on service and price	Reduces POD costs
Reduces administration costs by reverse billing or simple account reconciliation	Wizard Report Writer provides detailed cost analysis
Automatically consolidates orders - saves money	Improves pallet control
Easy access to historical data improves Customer Service	Improves line haul loading plans and vehicle allocation
Reduces paper work using EDI methods	Reduces the need to supply consignment notes

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Key Features

Consignment Note Processing
Consignment details such as carrier, service level, senders address, receivers address, department/cost centres, weight, items, cubic dimensions and special instructions can be entered. Regular sender, receiver, department, and types of freight are catered for to assist and speed up data entry. Facilities to handle insurance, dangerous goods, foodstuffs, pallets and product lines are also provided. 

Charges are automatically calculated, displayed and recorded for each consignment. Consignments already entered can be accessed for inquiry and or adjustment purposes. When entering consignment details this function will detect any similar consignments already entered, display a warning and allow the user to add the new details to the existing consignment. 
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Rate Maintenance
A comprehensive on-line rating or charging facility is built. It allows rates to be set-up and tailored to different customers’ needs. Area, service, weight, item and product based charges can be maintained easily. Additional charges or surcharges can also be maintained.  
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Each client’s rates can be kept up to date easily using the EDI interface, which transfers any changes electronically to each system ensuring consistency and integrity of rating data.
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Consignment Label Printing
Freight details entered using the consignment processing function can be printed on pre-printed consignment note stationery complete with barcodes, if required. An option to selectively reprint specific consignment notes is also provided.
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Manifests
A detailed manifest listing consignments can be printed after entering freight details. A range of selection criteria and sort options is provided to allow users to easily list the appropriate information in the correct order. Controls are in place to ensure that consignments aren’t printed on different manifests. 
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Pallet Control Processing
The number and type of pallets associated with an outward-bound consignment can be entered as part of entering freight details. A count of the number of pallets is automatically updated and an audit trail of all pallet movements is maintained and can be recalled and reviewed for later analysis.  A separate function is provided to record the number and type of inward bound pallets.
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Report Wizard
DEPOTLINK’s report wizard has been specifically designed so that specific reports can be easily created and formatted by users to suit individual requirements. The wizard guides the user through the selection of the data to print, choosing the sorting and grouping options, nominating the sub totals and totals and then automatically formats the layout in a matter of minutes.   The wizard can be used to create supplier, branch or agent manifests, in-house recharging and costing reports, proof of delivery lists and pre alert schedules and so on.
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