Product Information

Descartes Order Express

The Business Case

• I need a shipping system that is simple to navigate yet provides a wealth of functionality
• I need to combine the packing and shipping step into one
• I need a cost-effective way to integrate all my carriers to our host system
• I lack visibility and information for all my shipments

Core Capabilities

The Descartes Order Express (OE) smart client is an easy-to-use and intuitive shipping interface that is designed to automate the transportation and fulfillment process. It provides a rich user experience with a clean and highly scalable integration path. The core capabilities of this module include: Rating

• Industry leading multi-carrier compliance engine to route small package carrier, Truckload (TL), Less than Truckload (LTL), multi-modal, fleet and messenger; incorporates a variety of different rating methodologies with uniform execution
• Compliant with major North American carriers
• Service level selection based on transit time routing and/or arrival date
• Density and cube rating
• Order/multi-piece level routing and rating
• Rule-based shipment consolidation logic
• Multi-class rating (Less Than Truckload / Truckload – LTL/TL)
• Real-time order consolidation
• Rule driven handling charge
• Fuel surcharge management
• ExpressCube™ support for integrated package cubing

Documents / Labels

• Compliant shipping labels and documents
• Hazmat/Dangerous Goods documentation
• Voluntary Inter-industry Commerce Solutions (VICS) Bills
• Voluntary Inter-industry Commerce Solutions (VICS) Bills of Lading
• One End-of-Day, Master Bill of Lading for all orders to a destination
• Automated bar code processing capability
• Email notification provides proactive, self-service package tracking functions
• Direct Customs Broker EDI integration of customs forms
• Built-in report writer

Execution / Automation

• Provides shipment, order and line item visibility
• Capture weight and dimensions on the fly
• Create carton level contents
• ‘Piece at a time’ processing and labeling
• ‘Ship with item scan’ retrieves and processes single item orders
• Authorization controls

Technical

• Available as a networked or browser-based desktop solution
• Fast and flexible integration using VB Script events – completely editable
• Each workstation can be configured with independent scripting rules
• All information is stored as XML data and can be passed to Microsoft® SQL database which improves archiving, back-up and stability
• Incorporates more than 30 entry and exit points to support customizable processing screens that let you control what you want the shipper to edit—complete administration of the user experience is contained in the main console

Hardware & Software Specifications

Descartes Order Express should be installed on a server that meets the following minimum specifications:

Required Software

• Windows Server 2003 or higher (with appropriate licenses)
• Microsoft SQL 2005 (Express or Full Edition) for OE Enterprise deployments

Streamline the flow of distribution; ensure consistent shipping practices and processes are executed across the business; eliminate islands of automation and information; increase shipping throughput and worker productivity.

Operational Drivers

Summary

• Reduces shipping errors and provides improved visibility
• Database independent

Meeting business targets means automatically incorporating business rules that comply with ALL trading partners; ensure ‘speed-to-market’ with fast and accurate order turnaround; provide real-time visibility of customers’ orders and inventory throughout the order cycle.

Key Potential Benefits

• Intuitive and easy to use graphical interface
• Provides control to reduce transportation costs
• Flexible and scalable technology lets you quickly adapt to changing business requirements
• Database independent

Connectivity Options

• ODBC drivers loaded on each shipping workstation
• File A common network drive setup to see both the host and shipping item
• TCP/IP Host configured as TCP/IP Server and shipping workstation as the client.