Transport routing and scheduling systems an investigation into why companies implement computerised vehicle routing and scheduling systems - an Australian study based upon research conducted between 1999 and 2005

The field of transport logistics and supply chain management has changed dramatically over the last few decades as new technologies have been introduced to improve productivity and efficiency. One example is the use of computer software designed to enhance vehicle routing and scheduling. While there are many proprietary versions of this software they are generically labelled a Computerised Vehicle Routing and Scheduling Systems (CVRSS).

As with most new technology, not all organisations tend to adopt them at the same rate. Indeed, some do not adopt them at all. Given anecdotal evidence that this has been the case with the CVRSS, the primary focus of this research became:

what factors drive a company to implement Computerised Vehicle Routing and Scheduling Systems (CVRSS) and what benefits do they derive from it?

The research design adopted to address this problem utilised mixed data collection methodologies. In order to find out what was happening in the industry as a whole a specially designed survey was conducted utilising both web-based and traditional paper-based instruments. This provided valuable quantitative data about the rate of uptake, types of companies and so on. To complement this, a focus group of selected representatives of the industry was conducted to delve more deeply into motivations behind the decision to adopt the technology and the perceived benefits derived from it.

The research concludes that companies implement CVRSS to realise operational savings. Additionally the results indicate that smaller companies implement CVRSS to ensure they maintain an effective place in the market without developing a larger workforce. Future research should concentrate on why companies do not adopt CVRSS and the impact of lower technology costs on transport operations.