Planning groups can be used to divide orders between the different planners at a transport company.
Create Planning Groups
Go to RATES > Order input
Click on 'Planning groups' in the left hand column
Click on 'Add planning group'
Complete the General Info for the planning group
Use 'Add Rule' to automatically assign orders to specific groups when criteria is met.
Assign Planning Groups
You can automatically assign a planning group based on rules. These rules can be configured under RATES > Order Input.
Transport Services. If specified here, when an order is built using a specific transport service it will automatically be assigned to the planning group.
Options available will be based on what has been created under 'Planning Groups'
Planning Groups. Set rules with conditions to assign orders to groups
Create Rules for assignments
Rules are based on a set of parameters and conditions that when applied will automatically assign orders to a specific planning group. Rules consist of a set of elements:
Calculation Method: This is how the system will determine group assignment
Simple Rule
Excel Table
Metric: Various options - outlined below
Operator: This will include or exclude elements depending on what is set.
Is - A single element is included
Is not - A single element is excluded
Is greater than (or equals) - A value matches or is greater than specified
Is smaller than (or equals) - A value doesn't match or is less than specified
In - Multiple elements are included
Not in - Multiple elements are excluded
Value: This is pre-determined based on the 'Metric' selected. It will be either manual entry or based on a dropdown of existing options
Calculation Method:
Simple Rule
Use this option where a single criteria can be used to create the assignment rule.
For instance using a department rule to assign orders to a specific group.
Additional conditions and / or rules can be combined to create specific criteria to assign groups
Excel Table
Use this option when there are multiple conditions that must be combined to create a single rule.
For instance, segmenting by country, service level and packaging type. Using a table will allow multiple options to be added for service levels & packaging types.
Metric options defined
Goods (ordered)
This will look at the CARGO section of the order to determine the planning group assignment.
Packaging Type: When set, the Value will show available options to select in a dropdown, based on what is configured under Cargo Options>Packaging Types
Predefined package size: When using this option, the Value will display Packaging Type to select then an option to select the defined size.
Product: When set the Value will display the preset Product options that are created under Product Options > Products. This will also show the associated Product Types.
Product Type:This option will only consider the specific product types configured under Product Options > Product types.
Quantity: Manually enter the value; this is compared to the total order value and uses a specified operator to determine the rule.
Total loading meters: Manually enter the value; this is compared to the total order value and uses a specified operator to determine the rule.
Total pallet spaces: Manually enter the value; this is compared to the total order value and uses a specified operator to determine the rule.
Total volume: Manually enter the value; this is compared to the total order value and uses a specified operator to determine the rule. In addition, set the Unit Value to specific measurement (Cubic meter / Gallon / Litres).
Total weight: Manually enter the value; this is compared to the total order value and uses a specified operator to determine the rule. In addition, set the Unit Value to specific measurement (Kilo / Ton).
Order
This will look at specific order values to determine the planning group assignment.
Created by: This is the user that created the order; shown on the Order Details as "Responsible: name@email.com"
Customer: This is the name of the customer that placed the order; shown on the Order Details as 'Customer: Name".
Department: When a specific department is assigned to an order.
Import Source: Refers to the point of origin of the data brought into Qargo; distinguishing between Manual imports or API/EDI via a partner network
Service level: Service levels on the order can include Priority / Next day or Economy. Options will depend on what is set up in the Order options > Service Level
Stage type: Refers to the leg of the order, including Pickup, Delivery, Transfer - allows orders to be assigned based on specific activity, ie: moving between hub
Transport service: Based on service types configured in Order Options > Transport services; allows orders to be directed to planners within specific team
Vehicle category: Will use the specific vehicle category on the order to assign the planning group; useful where specific equipment type teams (ie: refrigerated)
Route
This will look at specific order values to determine the planning group assignment.
Stops - opens additional options & will ask for further parameters to be set.
Postcode area + country > Full or Prefix (UK / NL) postcodes: This will look at the country first, followed by the postcode. A stop is required.
Country: Will assign based on country on the order. A stop is required.
Postal Code: Will assign based on PostcodeA stop is required.
Postcode zone: Postcode zone must be set up first for this option. A stop is required.
Requested weekday: Select a day of the week. A stop is required.
State/country: Free text field to enter a state. A stop is required.
Stop options:
Number of collect / deliveries: Manually enter the quantity of stop for this rule to apply.
Total number of stops: Manually enter the quantity of stop for this rule to apply.
Applying Rules
Bulk Updates for Planning Groups
You can change the planning group for multiple orders simultaneously using the bulk-update feature in the Planning screen. Here’s how to do it:
Navigate to the Planning screen.
Select the orders you want to update.
Apply the desired planning group to selected orders to change them in bulk.
Orders created with specific rules are automatically assigned to a Planning group. Additionally, for merged trips in the "To Plan" view, the system applies the planning group of the first order added to the trip if multiple orders have differing planning groups, ensuring consistency in assignments.
Once saved, you can enable the 'Planning Group' column option and filter on these groups on your List views (Orders & Trips) and planning board. Filters in the Planning screen prioritize displaying the trip’s planning group where applicable, and for split orders, segments might display different groups based on their assignment. This ensures clear visibility and control for planners.
