Design And Implementation Of Computer Based Scheduling System For A Transport Company

Introduction

Statement of Problem

A scheduling situation in a transport company develops when buses are expected to dispatch effectively.
Scheduling needs the dispatch and general information about routes to generate optimal transportation resources schedules. Lack of management and scheduling modules have cause a big problem for most transport companies. As a result of these problems, these transport companies have not been able to present charts and text reports for these companies.

These transport companies can not export solutions as text files in MS Word or MS Excel.

Lack of scheduling algorithms have led to lack of generating of the different resources schedules.

Lack of near-optimal resources schedules generation have prevented benchmarking an existing solution. Existing routes along with resources assignments can not be imported into the system “as is’ and calculate to reproduce the benchmark solution. The solution can not be generated and compared to the benchmark solution. The two solutions cannot be compared in the form of reports and Grantt Charts to identify opportunities for better resources utilizations.

Route data can not be imported in the form of ASCLL files.

There is no data import wizard that will guide user’s through a set up process for importing route data into the system. Lack of data view to enable user’s to sort the routes based on different criteria (route ID) Departure Time etc).

Purpose of the Study

This research work is meat to find out whether the above mentioned problems can effectively be eradicated by employing computer system to control the scheduling system of a transport company. In other words, to find solution to these problems mentioned above using a computer system.

Aims and Objectives

The aim and objective of this research work is to come up with a more suitable scheduling system in a transport company. (A computer based scheduling system) that can eliminate completely the above mentioned problems using a computer system. For instance, to come up with a scheduling system that can generate optimal buses and driver schedules for a given dispatching scenario.

Perhaps, the new system will not just eradicate the problems which will automatically improve the schedules.

Scope of the Study

This project work covers every area of scheduling activities where a scheduling tool generates optimal buses and drives schedules for a given dispatching scenario.

For instance, this tool provides an estimate of required number of buses and drivers for a particular dispatching scenario. It also generates resource scheduling that can result in significant cost reduction by using the optimal number of resources required.

Limitations of the Study

In the cause of this study, this project work has some limitations among which are: –

i. The Materials:

It is not located in a particular place

ii. Time Constraints:

Time was my greatest enemy as I had to copy with my class work, assignments and the project work at the same times.

iii. Financial Constraint:

Finance was a major constraint as I do not have enough fund for running around in search of materials.

Assumptions

It is assumed that any type of computer could be used scheduling system for a transport company. In other words.

Is assumed that scheduling system of a transport company could be made in all series or mode of computers.

It is assumed that data collection terminal can be via computer high level written programs to suit organization requirement in the area of scheduling system for a transport company.

Definition of Terms

i. Microsoft Word:

A word processing package used for electronic production of documents like letters, projects, reports, memos etc.

ii. Microsoft Excel:

A spreadsheet package used for scientific and mathematical operations. It is an accounting package.

iii. Route:

It means a way to go or send from one place to another.

iv. Route Data:

It means that we can use it to execute any kind of programs do to its nature.

v. Dispatch:

To deliver a good or product, by one of its writers, esp. from abroad.

vi. Algorithms:

An algorithm is a step by step procedure organized in the correct and logical sequence suitable for solving problem that can be transferred to the computer.

vii. Bench Mark:

Means an example, which is used as a standard or point of reference for making comparisons.