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Dispatch Management

Dispatch Management in Dispatch coordinates delivery operations by grouping shipments, assigning routes, and tracking driver progress in real-time.

What is a Dispatch?​

A dispatch represents:

  • A group of shipments for delivery
  • Assigned to a driver or vehicle
  • Following a planned route
  • For a specific delivery period

Dispatch Overview​

Dashboard​

View overall dispatch status:

  • Active dispatches in progress
  • Pending dispatches to be started
  • Completed dispatches
  • Performance metrics

Overview Metrics​

The dispatch overview shows:

  • Total dispatches today
  • Shipments out for delivery
  • Completion rates
  • Exception count

Creating Dispatches​

Manual Creation​

Create a dispatch manually:

  1. Go to Dispatch > Create
  2. Enter dispatch details:
    • Name/identifier
    • Driver assignment
    • Vehicle assignment
    • Planned date
  3. Add shipments to the dispatch
  4. Save the dispatch

Dispatch Details​

When creating, specify:

  • Dispatch Name - Identifier for the dispatch
  • Driver - Who will make the deliveries
  • Vehicle - Which vehicle will be used
  • Date - When deliveries will occur
  • Notes - Special instructions

Adding Shipments​

Add shipments to a dispatch:

  1. Open the dispatch
  2. Go to Shipments section
  3. Click "Add Shipments"
  4. Select from available unassigned shipments
  5. Confirm addition

Removing Shipments​

Remove shipments from a dispatch:

  1. Open the dispatch
  2. Find the shipment
  3. Click "Remove"
  4. Shipment returns to unassigned

Managing Dispatches​

Viewing Dispatch Details​

Access complete dispatch information:

  • List of included shipments
  • Driver and vehicle details
  • Planned vs actual progress
  • Delivery status summary

Updating Dispatches​

Modify dispatch details:

  1. Open the dispatch
  2. Click "Edit"
  3. Update fields as needed
  4. Save changes

Dispatch Status​

Track dispatch progress:

StatusDescription
DraftBeing planned, not started
ReadyPrepared for departure
In ProgressDeliveries underway
CompletedAll deliveries finished
CancelledDispatch cancelled

In-Shipment View​

Accessing via Shipment​

Find which dispatch contains a shipment:

  1. Open a shipment
  2. View the dispatch assignment
  3. Click to open the dispatch

Shipment Status in Dispatch​

Each shipment in a dispatch has status:

  • Pending delivery
  • Out for delivery
  • Delivered
  • Failed/Exception

Route Management​

Route Planning​

Plan efficient delivery routes:

  1. View shipments on a map
  2. Optimize delivery order
  3. Consider time windows
  4. Account for traffic patterns

Route Timeline​

View the planned delivery timeline:

  • Estimated arrival times
  • Planned stop order
  • Time at each location
  • Total route duration

Route Progress​

Track real-time progress:

  • Current driver location
  • Completed stops
  • Remaining deliveries
  • ETA updates

Driver Management​

Assigning Drivers​

Assign a driver to a dispatch:

  1. Open dispatch details
  2. Go to Driver section
  3. Select available driver
  4. Confirm assignment

Driver Information​

View driver details:

  • Contact information
  • Assigned vehicle
  • Current dispatch
  • Performance metrics

Driver Communication​

Communicate with drivers:

  • Send updates or instructions
  • Receive status updates
  • Handle exceptions

Vehicle Assignment​

Assigning Vehicles​

Link a vehicle to a dispatch:

  1. Open dispatch details
  2. Go to Vehicle section
  3. Select available vehicle
  4. Confirm assignment

Vehicle Capacity​

Consider vehicle capacity when planning:

  • Physical space
  • Weight capacity
  • Number of stops
  • Special requirements

Deleting Dispatches​

How to Delete​

Remove a dispatch:

  1. Open the dispatch
  2. Click "Delete"
  3. Confirm deletion

What Happens​

When a dispatch is deleted:

  • Shipments become unassigned
  • Route planning is lost
  • Driver/vehicle freed up

When to Delete​

Consider deletion for:

  • Cancelled delivery days
  • Planning mistakes
  • Test dispatches

Performance Tracking​

Dispatch Metrics​

Track dispatch performance:

  • On-time completion rate
  • Average delivery time
  • Stops per hour
  • Exception rate

Driver Performance​

Evaluate driver efficiency:

  • Deliveries per day
  • On-time rate
  • Customer feedback
  • Exception handling

Route Efficiency​

Measure route optimization:

  • Planned vs actual time
  • Miles traveled
  • Fuel efficiency
  • Stop sequencing

Mobile Integration​

Driver Mobile App​

Drivers use the mobile app to:

  • View their assigned dispatch
  • Navigate to deliveries
  • Update delivery status
  • Capture proof of delivery
  • Report exceptions

Real-Time Updates​

Mobile provides real-time data:

  • Location tracking
  • Status updates
  • Communication
  • Document capture

Best Practices​

Planning Dispatches​

  1. Group logically - Shipments in same area together
  2. Consider capacity - Don't overload vehicles
  3. Allow buffer time - Account for delays
  4. Optimize routes - Minimize travel time

Managing Operations​

  1. Monitor actively - Watch progress throughout day
  2. Communicate clearly - Keep drivers informed
  3. Handle exceptions quickly - Address problems promptly
  4. Document everything - Keep records

Improving Efficiency​

  1. Analyze patterns - Learn from historical data
  2. Adjust planning - Improve based on results
  3. Train drivers - Ensure consistent performance
  4. Use technology - Leverage tracking and optimization