Dispatch managers face dynamic and intricate problems daily. The load assignment decisions they make have ripple effects on other decisions down the line, and through it all, they must remain adaptable as they manage real-time, changing information. However, the evolution of technology has led to a way to achieve optimized dispatch decisions, through Artificial Decision Intelligence. When paired with quality data and integrated with the Carrier TMS, companies can increase their potential for efficiency and profitability.
The Challenges in Dispatch Operations
Dispatch operations are in a constant battle to balance a range of factors and make the best decisions with the information they’ve been given. This involves managing:
- Complex Scheduling and Routing – Each driver and each load has its own time and location constraints, and making the best load assignment decisions can be like solving a puzzle.
- Driver Availability and Compliance – Every decision must fit within drivers’ availability and allow them to comply with hours-of-service (HOS) rules.
- Real-Time Information – New information can come up unexpectedly, whether concerning loads in progress or planning. Dispatch operations must be prepared to manage communication and adapt fast to stay on top of the latest updates.
The Importance of Decision-Making in Dispatch Operations
In dealing with these challenges, dispatchers can wonder whether it’s possible to guarantee that optimal decisions are being made. The answer starts with ensuring there is a foundation of accurate, quality data.
The TMS must have all information accurately represented and available for any user or technology solution. This includes facility details like hours of operation, trailer requirements, late arrival consequences, and seal requirements; driver PTA (projected time of availability) and other driver variables; and trailer availability. Any inaccuracies can result in a bounced truck, a full truckload returned to the shipper, or, in some cases, a full truckload claim.
For example:
- If the TMS contains duplicate facility files and an out-of-date file is used, a truck that doesn’t meet facility requirements may be inadvertently sent to that facility.
- If the TMS contains incomplete information on driver permits or certifications, loads that could have been assigned to a given driver would be automatically passed over.
- If the TMS contains inaccurate data on the driver's PTA, a load could be assigned to a driver who is unable to pick it up.
On the other hand, clear, quality data leads to decisions that support efficiency, make good use of resources, reduce costs, and increase profitability. But there is one more piece that is needed to take decisions from good to optimal—AI.
Artificial Decision Intelligence explores decision options automatically by performing complex simulations and uncovering insights. Dispatch managers get fast results calculated using the entirety of the information available. With Artificial Decision Intelligence from Optimal Dynamics, dispatchers see the result as a recommendation and a Load Score to quantify the system’s confidence in the decision based on numerous iterations.
Essentially, dispatchers are getting automation and increased confidence in every decision they make. They can use this for better responsiveness and adaptability within their day-to-day operations, avoiding potentially costly oversights and missed opportunities to increase profits.
Overcoming Barriers to Improve Dispatch Operations
Implementing Artificial Decision Intelligence, however, goes beyond data quality and system-related readiness. It also means putting the transformation into perspective for the entire organization, as current process challenges are replaced by dispatching optimization and easier and smarter processes for the user. Ultimately, AI-assisted decisions also mean managing fewer ripple effects caused by less-than-optimal choices. When the entire company gets on board, this technology takes them to the next level of operations, where the whole industry will soon be headed.
Transformation: How Artificial Decision Intelligence and Carrier TMS Integration Transforms Dispatch Operations
Integrating Optimal Dynamics’ Artificial Decision Intelligence into a Carrier TMS like McLeod expands what’s possible within dispatch operations. Integrated TMS data fully opens the door to efficiency and optimized decisions. For one trucking company, BCB Transport, this technology led to the following outcomes.
- Increased Revenue: BCB Transport saw a 19.6% increase in revenue per truck per week following integration.
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Their integration allowed dispatchers to plan 60% more freight in the same amount of time, leading to greater operational productivity.
- Optimized Decision-Making: The combination of accurate data and AI technology enabled more effective decision-making to optimize schedules, routes, and load assignments.
All this was made possible by BCB Transport leveraging data-driven insights to better understand the implications of each driver and load option available to them. They increased their responsiveness and agility with Optimal Dynamics and achieved more strategic load planning and execution.
Leverage Artificial Decision Intelligence for a Better Approach to Dispatching Decisions
Integrating Artificial Decision Intelligence with Carrier TMSs is revolutionizing the trucking industry, making optimized dispatch decisions more accessible than ever. Optimal Dynamics provides a powerful solution—Execute by Optimal Dynamics™—to address the decision-making challenges inherent in standard dispatch operations by leveraging AI and accurate, real-time data. The result is greater operational efficiency and profitability for trucking companies, and elevated processes for their dispatchers.
To learn more about the potential of Artificial Decision Intelligence for your business, reach out to Optimal Dynamics for a demo.
