DC Velocity - April 2009

Guide for the ride: Rand McNally has introduced new, affordable commercial truck routing and business management software for the PC. Rand McNally’s RouteTools software is a routing, mileage, and business management solution that allows professional drivers to plan routes on truck-drivable roads, navigate using detailed route itineraries, integrate fueling stops, and calculate precise mileage for accurate billing and fuel tax reporting.

In addition to calculating fast, fuel-efficient multi-stop routes, RouteTools generates trips based on user-defined truck configuration to help avoid hefty fines. Rand McNally’s GIS experts and cartographers draw on the company’s own proprietary data, which is then enhanced from a variety of sources to equip drivers with very specific, truck-drivable routing. The result is reliable point-to-point mapping and routing for the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With Route Tools software, drivers can plan their route ahead of time on truck-legal roads, leading to more on-time deliveries.

The software also features detailed descriptions of almost 6,000 truck-stop locations and their amenities to help drivers maximize their downtime. As business management software, RouteTools additionally equips professional drivers with features that help them bill accurately, record expenses, and calculate mileage quickly for accurate fuel tax reporting in each state or province. (Rand McNally, www.go.randmcnally.com/routetools)

Kit control: FastPic IC Inventory Control software from FastPic Systems allows organizations to take advantage of kitting techniques to improve the efficiency of storage and retrieval operations. Kitting is the grouping of multiple stock-keeping units (SKUs) to create a unique combination of parts or pieces required for a specific end-use need. Kitting improves productivity by reducing stock picking time, balancing the work flow from multiple work zones, and increasing picking accuracy.

The FastPic IC software operator interface includes a grid field that streamlines data entry by allowing operators to easily fill in the SKU description and the quantity of each to create a bill of materials or kit. Operators can use the common or industry-specific names of components or part numbers, and can create and keep a file in a common spreadsheet format for future use.

Seamless integration with shelving and drawers, carousels, and vertical lift modules allows operators to enter or scan a part number or description into the system to create a bill of materials. (FastPic Systems, www.FastPicSystems.com)

Haul-mark: Lift Products offers its new Moto-Tugger. This compact electric tugger makes it easier to tow groups of carts or pieces of equipment that are simply too time-consuming, heavy, or awkward for workers to move unassisted.

Moto-Tugger is a small, but strong product that features a powerhead measuring only 24 by 18 inches. While small, it provides a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, which is 10 times its own weight. In addition, the unit offers solid-state variable controls, regenerative braking, and a quick hitch system that allows the unit to hook up and disengage from its load in a matter of seconds by the push of a button. (Lift Products, www.liftproducts.com)