Farm Trans Slot Scheduling: control over logistics flows

Slot Scheduling is an important system Farm Trans relies on. This system is used to increase the efficiency of logistics processes, especially for processes that require careful planning and collaboration. Slot Scheduling supports our experts in organising the various loading and unloading times at one of our Warehouses. The goal? To ensure a smooth-running operation that optimally utilises the available capacity.

A stable supply chain with Slot Scheduling

In the past, the scheduling of loading and unloading times at the Warehouses was recorded by hand in separate documents. You can imagine that this involved many actions and sometimes even double work. Considering that Farm Trans often loads and unloads at fixed Warehouses, Slot Scheduling was implemented at one of these permanent locations. This scheduling system splits up refrigerated and frozen products into separate schedules.

Slot Scheduling is crucial for transporters. They are better able to estimate the expected loading time because the loading time is known in advance. In other words: with Slot Scheduling, transporters are able to plan their transport times more precisely. In addition to the Farm Trans experts, a number of transporters also have access to the Slot Scheduling. They can choose from several fixed times that have been established in advance, during which they can plan their transports on their own.

Slot Scheduling: how it works

The Slot Scheduling is divided up into each hour of the day. The maximum number of pallets that the Warehouse can load or unload per hour is clearly visible. For refrigerated products, the maximum is often 50 pallets per hour. The Warehouse can normally load and unload more pallets with frozen products, with the maximum being somewhere between 75 and 100 per hour. These numbers are established in advance for each hour on the basis of how many employees are working at that time and how many of them may be on break. The system calculates the scheduled loading and unloading times for the available capacity, which, in turn, clearly indicates exactly how much capacity remains.

The system uses various of colours to show the exact status of the load. The colour green means that the load/unloading has been completed; yellow means that the Warehouse has confirmed the scheduled loading/unloading time; etc. During peak times, it is up to the Farm Trans experts to ensure that the scheduling runs smoothly. For example, a time slot may already be full at the moment a transporter wants to unload. In these situations, the experts will search for the next possible time.

In addition to the loading and unloading times, the system also allows transporters to make pre- and post-reservations. At that time, the load is given a code that makes the reservation known. This is then processed in the system as a Value Added Services principle. Adding a packing list, removing a layer of boxes from the load or some other action: this can all be arranged!

Both an internal and external collaborative effort

Farm Trans is proud of its collaborations. Farm Trans Connected Services often collaborates with the Scheduling department of Farm Trans Fresh & Frozen. The Scheduling department supplies a complete list of loads, with the loading and unloading times and the number of pallets concerned. Connected Services uses this information to piece together the Slot Scheduling like a puzzle.

Approximately one year after Slot Scheduling was implemented, Farm Trans and the Warehouse evaluated the Slot Scheduling system. The conclusion? The Slot Scheduling system was correct and working perfectly. When a load can be accommodated by Slot Scheduling, the Warehouse can handle it and everything runs smoothly. Farm Trans experts often consult with the Warehouse to discuss what it possible, any special wishes either side may have and can then plan accordingly.

Practical example: freight to the United Kingdom

Suppose a transporter has a load that needs to go the United Kingdom. The Farm Trans expert will first look to see how many pallets this load has: in this case it concerns 26 pallets. Next, the experts will examine the Slot Scheduling to determine how much capacity remains at different times during the day. For example, it may be case that between 2:00 and 3:00 PM, there is only room for 22 pallets. Later that day, there might still be room for 47 pallets between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.

In this instance, the load would be scheduled during the time slot of 4:00 – 5:00 PM in the Slot Scheduling. The system has been designed well. By scheduling a load in Slot Scheduling, it is linked to a precise transport time. This gives the Farm Trans planners fast and easy access to the right information. At the same time, the Warehouse knows how many trucks to expect for specific loads and when they are needed. In turn, Slot Scheduling creates a reliable overview for both Farm Trans and its partners and customers.

Slot Scheduling is so much more than just a handy system: it creates clarity throughout the supply chain which ensures a seamless and efficient logistics process. Careful planning and setting the right priorities play a vital role in this. Whether it concerns refrigerated or frozen products, Slot Scheduling allows Farm Trans to consistently provide high-quality services.