WISL Branch Freight System

Overview

Waterloo Information Systems Limited

33 Dupont Street East

Waterloo, Ontario

N2J 2G8

© Waterloo Information Systems Limited 1995

The information contained herein is proprietary and considered a trade secret of Waterloo Information Systems Limited and shall not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written authorization of Waterloo Information Systems Limited.

I. Introduction

The WISL Branch Freight System is designed to provide a branch operation with the capability to monitor and control freight costs. Through an interface with the corporate order entry and/or purchasing system, a data base keyed on customer reference number is established that contains information about shipment requests(both inbound and outbound). Interactive facilities are provided to record receiving information for inbound shipments and to record shipping information at the time an outbound shipment is sent. In both cases automatic rating is employed to identify preferred carrier(s) and allow for accrual and control reporting. It is anticipated that the rates would be maintained centrally via WISL's Freight Analysis Information System with updates provided as required through EDI. The central rating authority would also receive completed shipment information from WISL BFS to effect centralized payment to carriers.

II. Interactive Facilities

Receiving Data Entry

- reconciles received shipment documentation to PO control file

- provides for the recording of updated shipping data including carrier used, shipping date and weight

- identifies back ordered shipments for freight payment considerations

Shipping Data Entry

- provides for the recording of updated shipping data including carrier used, shipping date and weight

- provides for the generation of a packing slip/bill of lading

III Interfaces

- imports PO or order data and possibly vendor record updates from the corporate order entry and/or purchasing system

- can automatically generate a shipping request form to accompany the PO sent to the vendor; the shipping request would display the relevant shipping data including preferred carrier(s)

- exports receiving information to the branch purchasing system

- exports shipment information and possibly vendor updates to the central rating authority to provide the basis for carrier payment

- imports updated rates and cities(shipping points) from central rating authority

- may also import electronic reports from central rating authority to be printed locally

IV. WISL BFS Flow Diagram

The following diagram illustrates the data flow and major operational activities in the system