Get the Picture?
With the help of GIS software, your company can combine layers of data into a single map.
When a customer of Nevada Brake & Auto places an order withthe Las Vegas automobile parts wholesaler, he or she can expect oneof the company's 20 trucks to pull up with the delivery inabout 45 minutes. The fast delivery endears the 18-year-old companyto its customers, but it's a hassle for owner John Kruger, 51."We have a tremendous logistics concern," he says.
Recently, Kruger installed an $18,000 geographic informationsystem (GIS) to help his dispatcher efficiently route trucks. Hehopes the GIS system, consisting of three computers with softwarethat tracks his trucks on their routes, will trim 5 to 10 percentof the 40-person company's logistical outlay, which gobbles upa significant portion of its $5 million annual revenues. Truckdrivers stay in touch by cell phone, as dispatchers enter thedrivers' locations into GIS. The whereabouts of trucks are thendisplayed on a map of the city, along with the locations ofupcoming deliveries. "We thought this software could enhancethings we've done forever manually," says Kruger.
4th of July Subscription Sale - Unlock this subscriber exclusive article and more for 20% off today.
Access all Entrepreneur content with no ads, unlock discounts, and get exclusive advice only available to our subscribers. Plus, our magazine delivered straight to your door.
Get 20% off an annual subscription today. Just use code SAVE20 at checkout.
Entrepreneur Editors' Picks
-
Tory Burch Built a Brand Around Empowering Women. Now Her Foundation Is Furthering Her Mission: 'How Do We as a Company Have a Positive Impact on Humanity?'
-
This Founder Had to Play College Basketball in Men's Shorts and Shoes, So She Launched an Athletic Clothing Company Named After the Now 50-Year-Old Title IX Act
-
Is Beyoncé's 'Break My Soul' the Theme Song of the Great Resignation?
-
You're Probably Falling for All of Amazon Prime Day's Psychological Sales Tactics. A Marketing Professor Reveals Them — and How You Can Actually Get the Best Deal.
-
Comedian Paul Virzi: 'If You're Not Authentic, You Have Nothing'
-
Struggling to Come Up With Creative Ideas? Try Doing This.
-
Picking a Winning Emerging Brand Is How You Get Rich in Franchising. Here's How to Spot One.