Project Title: Stop Density Analysis Tool (SDA) Version 2.0

Client: Airborne Express (DHL)

Platform: Microsoft MapPoint

Summary: Working with Airborne Express (now known as DHL), Integral GIS,Inc. has recently extended their Stop Density Analysis Tool (SDA) from version 1.0 to 2.0. This tool is based on Microsoft MapPoint and has been extended using a Visual Basic interface to satisfy Airborne Express' mapping and business analysis needs. The improvements to the application facilitate the planning, analysis, and optimization of their pickup and delivery routes.

The extended features for SDA include a "Typical Route" routine that calculates and plots routes based on frequent stops. Several criteria such as the day of the week, time interval, and type of stop (e.g., pickup, delivery, or both) are used. Using the "Typical Route" results, an "Optimal Route Trace" is determined. The optimal path of the trace in distance and time is calculated, and can then be used to benchmark productivity. A routine procedure for listing all street address ranges within a route boundary polygon was also included in the application. These listed address ranges are exported and used to determine where to best route trucks for pickups and deliveries.

Result: The simple act of showing drivers a tracked map of their route can significantly raise productivity. The Stop Density Analysis Tool has enabled Airborne Express (now known as DHL) to achieve its highest delivery and pick-up productivity to date by supporting company wide initiatives to reduce their route associated costs. It helped increase overall route stop density by making each stop more profitable, thereby reducing their costs.