Moving Tips
MAKE A LIST
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Collection: During this phase, your goal is to get as much data as you can,so the tender bid you create is based on accurate information.
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Assumptions: Once you’re past the data collection phase, you may need to make certain assumptions regarding the missing data – from exact timetables to on-time performance levels, depot locations and more.
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Creativity: When reviewing the data you’ve collected, consider new ways of looking at it. This can be anything from using a variation on labor regulations (e.g. offering longer breaks or changing their frequencies) or re-assigning routes between existing depots.
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Running multiple scenarios: At this stage, your goal is to run as many what-if scenarios as you can, to discover the best options and get the insights you need for a winning bid.
SAY GOODBYE TO UNUSED STUFF
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In many cases, depot location has a major impact on scheduling results. Poorly located depots can result in longer deadheads which in turn raise costs significantly. In our experience, thinking out of the box regarding the allocation of routes to depots can have surprising results, for example if ten routes originate from Depot A and ten more originate from Depot B, reassigning routes to depots can reduce deadhead times to an extent that can make the difference between winning and losing the tender.
Another way to go about this is to check whether you can add mid-day depots, e.g. adding a downtown location where buses can park for a limited time in the middle of the day. This can save long deadhead trips (and create better break options for drivers), resulting in a better bid price for the tender.
GET STURDY, UNIFORM PACKING SUPPLIES
Use the power of next-generation platforms to model many scenarios. Try to model at least three scenarios and compare them along more than just efficiency.
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For example If one scenario suggests a higher efficiency but adds many changeovers, you are increasing the risk of delays due to drivers changing buses frequently. Therefore a scenario with less changeovers might be the preferable one.
Other factors to consider are: number of deadheads, deadhead mileage, layovers, number of splits, number of changeovers, the paid time distribution, total hours drivers spend in taxi-time and more.
PACK THE BASICS YOURSELF
Next-generation planning and scheduling platforms offer a fairly quick fix to old and sometimes inaccurate time-consuming scheduling practices.
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By harnessing the power of cloud computing and AI, operators can better prepare their bid; use optimized schedules and rosters that significantly reduce operating costs, easily model competing bids and get visibility to the impact of various scenarios on KPIs.
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Most importantly, these tools offer better operational control and minimize the risk of winning a tender without the ability to contain costs.