AutoLogic Systems, the sole UK distributor for Appian Logistics, has announced the next generation release of Appian’s Direct Route™ fleet routing software. The new system has been developed to take advantage of .NET architecture, XML interfacing, and to expand on the tools and features built into the flagship product since its introduction in the early 1990’s.

The core Direct Route™ code has also been re-organised to produce faster routing solutions. Benchmark testing of various routing problem sizes shows 300%-700% faster processing times compared with the previous version.

Graham Carter of AutoLogic says: “By developing Direct Route Version 9 using .NET architecture, Appian have been able to integrate all of the additions made over the years and provide new routing capabilities that weren’t possible with earlier programming tools. This also puts the Appian software ahead of the curve on the impending move to 64-bit architecture.”

Appian had previously updated the system from DOS to 16-bit and 32-bit Windows platforms but the company recognised the opportunities available with .NET architecture.

One of the most important aspects to the system development was maintaining a userfriendly work environment. Appian has added more user-workspace controls including the ability to dock windows and to customise both window and list contents. Users can also drill down into increasingly more detail about orders and jobs and choose how route reports are displayed.

Direct Route supports the popular Excel® data environment and the ability to export detailed route information to this familiar application. New drag and drop report-editing features also allow clients to add logos, configure professional load manifests, and quickly create summary and detailed route reports with the layouts they desire using functions common in Excel®.

Version 9 supports web services, incorporates XML interfacing, and is tightly integrated with Appian’s DRTrack™ GPS reporting system, also available in the UK from AutoLogic Systems.

Graham concludes: “This is all part of what the beta users have called the ‘next generation’ of routing. The new Direct Route system is built to support recent technology improvements and to help clients take advantage of the next decade of hardware and operating system advancements.”