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CHI-CHUNG WANG, CHING-YUN MU, TIEN-YIN CHOU

Enterprise Resource Planning systems integrate all the data and processes of an organisation into a unified system.

A typical ERP system uses many components,-both software and hardware, to achieve this. A key ingredient is a database to store information for the various system modules.

An ERP system is not just another computer application. It changes the way that enterprises work. The implementation of an ERP involves a close understanding of the business process, and may itself create new products or processes of value to the enterprise.

For instance, in freight transport companies, the vehicle and driver are two critical resources. For most companies in the industry, recording trip data is necessary since this data provides the basis for accounting and management.

In the past, the driver would have recorded this information at the end of the trip. This can be unreliable. At the best, it takes time. But it may not happen at all and if it does, the details may not be correct.

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Our solution is to integrate this process into a company's ERP. We call this a Transportation Resources Platform. Essentially, it integrates an Automatic Vehicle Location system with the company's communication and information systems.

The AVL system collects time and location data, gathered from GIS and GPS.

In practice, a mobile unit with a GPS receiver is mounted on the truck. Data is transmitted to a server by GPRS. This data can then be integrated with accounting and management data.

It is noted that the data from the TRP system is displayed in a GIS.

The system supports a number of new functions in the company. For example, drivers' salaries can be calculated automatically, based on the exact distance they actually drive.

Notification of vehicle maintenance, based on hours of engine operation, and advance warnings of renewal of vehicle and driver's licences can be automatically sent to managers and drivers.

Unusual stops, and drivers' trip behaviour can also be detected.

In short, the system offers a number of valuable applications for the transport industries not available in traditional ERP systems.

As a bonus, the new system will be used in research by the GIS Research Centre team into the ability of drivers to evaluate alternative routes.

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