Data network Van Duuren complete with link to drivers’ on-board computers

In the last ten years Van Duuren has made major advances when it comes to data connection. ‘The first onboard computers of the carriers with whom we work will be linked with our transport management system,’ says Jasper van Duuren. ‘This was the last missing link.’ The logistics service provider in Vianen had already fully computerized the data communications with the European network and the scanning process in the warehouse. The introduction of the PDA has ensured that the drivers from our own distribution network are linked directly with the personnel in the planning department. All this to make sure that the client has the relevant information more swiftly, without interference or possible human error. ‘Our data network had in fact just one remaining grey area,’ states Jasper van Duuren, ‘and that was the data from the carriers that we work with.’ This data will also be processed in Van Duuren’s transport management system by the end of this year.

Thanks to a converter, every type of on-board computer in our carriers’ vehicles will be able to communicate with our transport management system in the future. It does not matter what sort of computer the truck has on board. Our module can deal with all that,’ explains Van Duuren. ‘After this conversion the personnel in Vianen, at Schiphol and in Barcelona will have automatic and frequent access to all the relevant information during a consignment’s journey. Where is the truck at a certain moment? When will the driver load or unload? Currently we have to ask for this information by phone or e-mail. That will no longer be necessary after the link-up is completed.

’Van Duuren will first implement the link in the on-board computers of the so-called Preferred Carriers. These are the carriers that handle the most scheduled services. ‘The first carriers will be linked up before the end of the year,’ Jasper van Duuren promises. Just as all the other measures that Van Duuren has introduced into the computerization process, this implementation will further increase the quality of service provided. Van Duuren: ‘The client will have the information he needs both more quickly and faultlessly.’