In our "AdBlue®" business for environmental protection, we utilize route search that takes into account large vehicle restrictions to create efficient delivery plans!

In our "AdBlue®" business for environmental protection, we utilize route search that takes into account large vehicle restrictions to create highly accurate delivery plans, including delivery order and estimated delivery times!

Could you please provide an overview of the product?

As part of its efforts to address environmental issues, Itochu Enex sells "AdBlue®," a high-quality urea solution that decomposes and neutralizes nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in diesel vehicle exhaust gases, nationwide.

In the order processing system we developed in-house for the sale of "AdBlue®", we utilize the "MapFan API" for some functions.

The order management system accepts orders from customers (logistics companies that own large trucks), manages them at each location (distribution center), provides delivery date confirmations to customers, creates delivery plans based on order status, and sends delivery instructions, including delivery routes, to each driver's tablet.

It also includes a function to manage the ordering and delivery process from suppliers (manufacturers).

Please tell me about map-based features, and their advantages and benefits.

In creating delivery plans, we primarily use the "MapFan API" for the following functions:

■ Master registration of customer information
The customer's address is converted to latitude and longitude, and the location information is registered as the delivery destination.

■ Route Search
We simulate the best routes for delivery from the distribution center to multiple destinations on the day, and estimate the time required, including water refilling time, to create a delivery plan.

The route search function allows you to input the height, width, and weight of the dedicated water tanker trucks actually used for delivery, and then generate a route that takes "large vehicle restrictions" into account. This allows you to select a more realistic route and improve accuracy.

■ Delivery to the driver along the delivery route
A delivery plan, including a route map, will be sent to the driver's tablet to provide instructions on the delivery order and serve as a reference for the route.

Please tell me about your implementation track record.

This system is specifically for Itochu Enex's "AdBlue®" business, and it has already been installed at our headquarters and 25 distribution centers nationwide.

Could you tell us about the circumstances that led you to choose our service, and what were the deciding factors?

When renewing our existing system, we considered introducing a packaged product for the delivery plan creation function. However, implementing the function would require custom development, which would ultimately incur significant development costs. Therefore, we decided to develop it ourselves rather than using a packaged product.

In calculating delivery routes, it was crucial to be able to create routes that accommodate "large vehicle restrictions." However, in the previous operations at each delivery center, many were using GeoTechnologies, Inc.' web map service "MapFan Web" for route searches, which accommodates "large vehicle restrictions," when calculating delivery times. Therefore, we considered and adopted the use of "MapFan API," which provides the same functionality as an API.

Could you tell us about your future plans?

Regarding the delivery planning function, we plan to further utilize the capabilities of the "MapFan API" to enable more complex route searches.

Furthermore, we are considering adding features that prioritize driver safety, such as automatically sending an arrival notification to the customer when the vehicle approaches the set destination during actual delivery.

 

 

Click here for the website of ITOCHU ENEX CO.,LTD.

For more details about the high-quality urea solution "AdBlue®" business, please click here.

 

* AdBlue® is a registered trademark of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).

For inquiries about MapFan API, please contact us here.