Dispatch: Key Concepts

Foreword

Please read the following section carefully! The entire Dispatch system is based on these key concepts. Attempting to use Dispatch without a complete understanding of them increases the likelihood of inaccurate data.

Adding & Editing Data

To reduce the number of screens and menu options, most Keystone screens are used for both adding new entries as well as editing existing ones.
In general, information is added less frequently than it is reviewed and edited. Keystone therefore assumes that when data entry begins, the user is looking to retrieve data rather than add something new. If a user is attempting to add data, the user must either click on the + button, or hit the Insert key.

Batch Control Interface

Keystone Dispatch supports a variety of batch controls. Keystone Batch is our preferred batch control as it offers the best integration and allows support staff to run diagnostics on both systems when necessary. A wide variety of other batch controls are supported as well. The information shared between Keystone Dispatch and your batch control can vary depending on the batch control. In most cases, your batch control’s data must be set up to match Keystone Dispatch’s in such areas as customers, products (with mix designs), trucks, tax authorities, etc. If you plan to change batch controls after your installation, you must contact GivenHansco support at least two week’s in advance to avoid disruptions in your production.

GPS (Global Position Systems) / Truck Tracking (Messaging)

Keystone Dispatch can be interfaced to many GPS or Truck Tracking systems. Keystone GPS is the preferred system, as it allows support staff to run diagnostics on both systems when necessary. Without a GPS / Truck Tracking system, the dispatcher must manually move each truck through all phases of a pour.

Orders & Order Entry

Orders must be entered completely and accurately in order for Keystone Dispatch to correctly project the demands of the order. Order numbers are assigned at the time of entry. Any changes made to an order where loads have already been shipped will only impact future loads. Information on loads that have already been shipped will remain unchanged unless the ticket is voided. Once an order has begun shipping, it cannot be deleted.

Projected Loads

In order to build the schedule correctly, Keystone Dispatch must project the loads for each order. For example, an order for 100 CY with 10 CY per load will require 10 loads. After calculating the times based on the values provided by the user, Keystone Dispatch will have the estimates start and return time for each load and update the schedule accordingly. Changes in load size or total yardage can impact these projected loads. For example, if the customer calls and requests an additional 30 cubic yards, an additional 3 loads will be required. Similarly, if with 20 yards remaining, the customer requests 5 CY loads, the two projected remaining loads would need to become four projected loads. Any time there is a change to the Projected Loads, Keystone Dispatch will warn the Dispatcher and offer choices on ways to proceed.

Truck Tracking

Keystone Dispatch tracks trucks’ status through their operation (loading, leaving plant, etc.) as well as their on-time progress through each stage. Dispatchers must manually move trucks through each stage unless an interface to a GPS or truck-tracking is purchased.