Who uses TRANSPAC?

Any transport based service organisation from a small operation to a complex multi divisional freight Company providing a variety of transport services can make use of the TRANSPAC system to improve their businesses. TRANSPAC has a proven capability of managing the activities of transport Companies involved in:

What sort of computers and networks can TRANSPAC run on?

What Database does TRANSPAC use?

TRANSPAC System Manager (including Job & Consignment Processing)
This module is the nucleus around which the TRANSPAC system revolves. It includes the Job Processing function that allows job or consignment details to be entered and maintained. A unique feature of this module is the ability to easily tailor the layout of the Job or Consignment data entry screen to suit the different requirements and needs of different transport market segments and different individual users. This module also includes the parameters and codes that must be set up and maintained for the system to operate correctly. A series of basic maintenance and report functions are provided to assist with overall control and management of the system. This System Manager module is mandatory with every TRANSPAC system.
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Archiving
This module allows data from previous periods to be easily stored and subsequently retrieved. A ‘snap shot’ of all of the data in the TRANSPAC system is created automatically as part of the end of period processing. When wishing to access archived information, the user selects the appropriate period from a list of available archives and is then transferred to it. All of the query and reporting functions available in the ‘live’ system can then be used to service queries, provide copies of invoices, payments, etc. The amount of data that can be archived is only limited by the amount of available space on the computer’s hard disk.
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Automated Telephone Bookings (IVR)
The Automated Telephone Bookings or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) module automatically accepts and processes job or consignment bookings via the telephone without human intervention. It answers incoming calls, plays a tailored introductory message and requests certain "keypad" digits to be pressed relative to client needs. It then creates an information stream that is automatically transferred and integrated into the TRANSPAC system. This eliminates the need for telephonists to answer those calls that have a minimum amount of detail.
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Automatic Caller Identification
This module maximises call-taking efficiency and 'plugs into' the new windows based Job Booking function. Callers are automatically recognised and their default booking details displayed to the booking screen ready to proceed with the booking. It should be noted that the phone system used to take bookings would also need to be evaluated to ensure it has the capability to incorporate this technology.
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Carrier Payments
This module provides functions that allow processing of payments to subcontractor carriers. This includes data entry of job transactions, automatic calculation of amounts based on structured rate tables, facilities for pre and post tax additions and deductions, PPS tax calculation, pay advice and cheque production. It also produces bank deposit, insurance premium, superannuation, profitability and other analytical reports.
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Customer Premises Remote Log In
This module provides functions that allow Customers to log in to the TRANSPAC system to enter and maintain job/consignment booking details. Typically Customers use dial in modem equipment and the telephone system, located at their premises, to connect to the transport Companies’ TRANSPAC system. Built in security controls restrict Customers so that they only have access to information (i.e. account codes and jobs) that is relevant to them. In addition, the functions that a customer can perform can also be controlled (eg a customer may be able to enter and inquire on bookings but not modify or cancel existing bookings, etc). Other communication methods that enable access, such as utilising the INTERNET has recently been completed.
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Debtors
This module provides a comprehensive range of functions, built specifically with the transport industry in mind, that keep track of client charges and allow processing of their payments. It has facilities that allow both balance forward and open item invoicing on a daily or periodic basis. Other functions include on-line invoice/statements, credit note and journal adjustment processing, sales, aged trial balance, bank deposit, overdue debtors and many other reports.
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EDI/File Transfer
Get regular job or consignment details electronically loaded into TRANSPAC and save time in double handling and reduce transposition errors.
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Invoice/Statement and POD Fax & Email Interface
This module allows Invoice/Statements that are produced by the TRANSPAC debtors module, to be automatically faxed or emailed to clients. Options to send POD details and activity reports to clients, job lists to carriers and faxes from other software packages such as word processors are also available. The Fax Interface module requires a particular type of computer based fax software package and compatible modem to be installed in order for it to operate correctly. Proof of deliveries can also be faxed or emailed back to clients upon request simply by locating a job in the Job Processing program and selecting the appropriate function key. 
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Job Despatch (Character Based)
This module provides the radio operator or despatcher with a powerful tool that allows job bookings to be displayed, allocated to vehicles and monitored whilst being completed. It also has features such as job overdue highlighting, delivery status and carrier location updating that help the user to efficiently track the progress of pickups and deliveries. Jobs can be organised effectively by sorting or routing and displaying them on one or many screens based on a range of criteria including pickup and or delivery area, vehicle type, service level or customer.
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Image Processing
This module provides features that allow documents (e.g. consignment notes, run sheets, etc.) to be scanned, the resulting electronic images to be stored on a computers hard disk and automatically indexed (e.g. by number, date, etc.). The document image can then be easily recalled, displayed on screen, printed and or faxed. This module can operate independently of TRANSPAC or it can be integrated with it.
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Mobile Data (MDT) Interface
This module controls the transmission of job related messages from a host computer application (e.g. the TRANSPAC Windows Job Despatch module) to display devices in vehicles via some form of radio medium. It also, in return, processes job and vehicle related status messages transmitted by these mobile data devices.

Implementing the MDT interface module eliminates the need to communicate job details to carriers using voice transmission. In addition, a carrier’s status and location are automatically relayed to the Job Despatch function. This vastly improves the security, reliability and efficiency of the job despatch process resulting in significant increases in operator productivity, improvements in operator performance and ultimately improvements in client service levels.
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Operational Reporting
This module allows specific reports to be produced that list key operational performance details. This allows management to gain valuable statistical feedback on important issues to do with carriers, telephonists, despatch operators, clients, etc.
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Pager Interface
This module controls the transmission of job related messages from the host computer application (i.e. the TRANSPAC Windows Job Despatch module) to mobile pager display devices. This eliminates the need to communicate job details to carriers using voice transmission and consequently improves the security, reliability and efficiency of the job despatch process.
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Permanent Jobs
This module allows permanent job bookings to be set up and processed automatically by the computer without operator intervention. Jobs can be pre allocated to carriers, or allocated manually when the carrier is not known. Unallocated permanent bookings are sent to the despatch operators screen automatically at an appropriate time prior to when they are due to be carried out. Bookings can be automatically scheduled on a daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis or even for a specific date. Public holidays and suspending and reinstating permanent bookings are also catered for.
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Pre-Paid Processing
This module provides features that allow users to efficiently process pre paid labels, vouchers, or the like. This includes a function to record the initial sale of such items (i.e. client, date, amount, number sold, range of numbers, etc.), update the appropriate account and optionally print an invoice. The module is integrated with the Job/Consignment processing function so that when clients book a pre paid job their count of unused items is automatically reduced. Reports to list pre paid sales, item usage and those clients who are in need of reordering are included.
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Proof Of Delivery Processing
This module provides features that allow users to efficiently process proof of delivery (POD) details and produce associated statistical reports. Details such as consignment note number, date, time, person’s name, delivery status and surcharges can be entered using details from delivery manifests produced by the TRANSPAC Run Manifesting module. Reports listing the general status of PODs, those consignments with or without PODs and cash collected details, can be produced.
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Rating
This module allows job charges to clients and job payments to carriers to be set up and automatically calculated as part of job or consignment processing. The module is very flexible and can cater for an enormous range and variety of rate types that suit the different segments of the transport industry. These include point to point rates based on distance, time based rates based on hours and minutes, unit rates based on number of items, weight based rates, flat fee rates, commodity rates based on the type of product being transported, vehicle type based rates, area based rates, one off client specific rates and so on. Other facilities include client schedules and discounts, effective date and time ranges, a minimum charge override, unlimited break points, an automated up rating function and a series of associated reports.
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Recommended Carrier
This module assists radio dispatchers and fleet supervisors with allocating jobs or tasks to carriers by providing recommendations on the best available vehicle for a particular job. It automatically maintains a variety of statistics on carriers such as location, direction and capacity to carry out work and compares this with the job requirements to be fulfilled before presenting the best carrier details to the operator.

This module is designed to work in conjunction with the TRANSPAC Windows Job Despatch and Mobile Data Terminal Interface modules.(top)

Run Manifesting
This module allows consignments or jobs to be automatically placed into pre-defined runs or manifests (local & line haul) based on pickup and/or delivery location or zone. The module is integrated with the TRANSPAC Job/Consignment Processing module so that the automatic manifesting occurs as a by product of entering job or consignment details. Runs and manifests can be manipulated on screen to suit demand requirements and allocated to carriers prior to printing detailed freight run manifests or summaries.
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Sales Analysis
This module allows specific reports to be produced detailing various sales information. It provides operational, sales, and financial management with important sales, cost and profit statistics.

There are many different ways in which this information can be selected including reports by carrier, client, service, vehicle, radio channel, accounting period, sales code groups, etc.
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Sales Management and Telemarketing
This module allow users to maintain, inquire and report on Company telephone and field sales activities. It has been designed to assist sales staff in the planning and recording of sales activities and in house telemarketing staff when inquiring on prospect, competitor and client details.  It can also be used as a management tool to monitor the activities of sales staff and their progress.

Other potential uses for this module are keeping track of competitor details for subsequent reporting, and in a client service or quality assurance oriented role by maintaining details on clients queries and issues to do with jobs, rates, sales histories, balances, etc.
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Split Database
The 'Split Database' module allows your system to be split into two. One side is used for "Operations' functions and the other for 'Administration' functions, thereby giving you the ability to run administration functions such as 'Pay Update' and 'Customer Update' at any time without having to ensure operations users (booking and despatch) are logged off the system. Therefore there will no longer be the need to stay back after work to do this type of activity. The operations database can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year which gives you expanded business opportunities. Also, the administrative database can store an unlimited amount of data (n.b. only restricted by the free space on the hard disk) facilitating better reporting and reducing searching data in archives.

Windows Job Despatch
This module provides the radio operator or despatcher with an easy to use and powerful tool that allows job bookings to be displayed, allocated to vehicles and monitored whilst deliveries are being completed. It also has features such as job overdue highlighting, delivery status and carrier location updating that help the user to efficiently track the progress of pick ups and deliveries. Jobs can be organised effectively by sorting or routing and displaying them on one or many screens based on a range of criteria including pickup and or delivery area, vehicle type, service level or client.

This module has been developed to take advantage of the many features and benefits of Windows based or Graphical User Interface technology. This includes allowing the user to display many windows of information on the one screen at the one time, being able to use a mouse that allows ‘point and click’ activation of functions, extensive use of colour for highlighting, options to display work in real time, and so on.
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Consignment Note Printing
This module enables the pickup address details to be printed in on pre-printed consignment notes. This is useful when a client requires a large number of consignment notes as it saves the client having to enter this standard information on each consignment note.
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Internet Bookings
This module enables authorised customers to place their own bookings into TRANSPAC via the Internet. These customers can also specify a date range to view a list of their bookings between this date range. From this list the status of jobs can be viewed. Jobs can also be selected from the list for a detailed blow up of all job details.
(For more information on thsi module see www.brtc.com.au)
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