DDS Logistics optimises DDS Freight and DDS Shipper software packages

DDS Logistics, an international trade and transport software package developer and French leader in TMS (Transport Management Systems), is launching new versions of its software packages for forwarding agents, 3PLs and shippers, with the code name: V5R2. DDS Logistics has included new additional modules: Transport Intelligence, Interface INTTRA, and others, expanding the fields of application and functions of the software packages: sourcing, quote management, new service provider selection modes and more. Each year, DDS Logistics devotes 25% of its turnover to R&D.

In developing new versions of its software packages, DDS Logistics has taken into account all the issues involved in the supply chain, the international dimension of operations such as financial flow management, international sourcing, product referencing (orders, documentary aspects relating to international trade, supply, transport and international shipping fulfilment), shipment scheduling and tracing, etc. The new versions, which incorporate all modes of transport (air, maritime and land) and run in web-based or licensed ASP mode, are designed to anticipate requirements of DDS Logistics customers who have solutions deployed in France and abroad.
Transport Intelligence, the new module common to DDS Shipper and DDS Freight

The Transport Intelligence module has been added to the DDS Shipper and DDS Freight software packages. Developed under Microsoft “dot.net” technology, this enables statistics to be generated and circulated via a web portal.As Julien Delalande, Transport Intelligence product manager explains, “Transport Intelligence is a genuine decision-making tool for managers. With a simple request, users can edit operational statistics reports, monitoring business from a quality and quantity perspective, by customer, service provider or transport operation. It also enables them to work on financial aspects and obtain sales/purchases statistics in order to calculate profit margins for each operation. The reports can be consulted on-screen and imported as Excel files.”

DDS Freight: new functions for the TMS Forwarding Operations module
Jean-Brice Bonnet, DDS Freight Product Manager, has overseen DDS Logistics’ upgrade of the DDS Freight TMS Forwarding Operations module to meet new European standards.

Delta Interface. In order to meet the requirements of the DELTA national communications system between customs brokers and authorities, DDS Freight now interfaces with the new Conex’s new DELTApass system. Forwarders can now retrieve data entered into DDS Freight to prepare customs clearance formalities without having to re-enter the data. Operators send the e-declaration to customs in the form of an electronic message in a pre-defined format using the DELTApass solution.

Air safety. In the light of terrorist threats, the European Union has tightened air safety rules, placing new constraints on forwarding agents. A new function has therefore been added to the TMS Forwarding Operations module enabling automatic reporting for secure freight. This is sent to the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) who assign a number which features on the AWB (Air Way Bill – the official transport document).

New INTTRA interface. The DDS Freight solution now interfaces with the INTTRA portal, the e-commerce platform serving the main shipping companies: CMA-CGM, DAL, Hamburg Süd, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk Sealand, MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A)., P&O Nedlloyd, United Arab Shipping Company, MOL, Safmarine, ANL, etc.

“INTTRA enables shippers, shipping agents, 3PL companies, brokers, importers and Internet portals to manage freight bookings and monitoring for multiple ship-owners in a single integrated process”, explains Jean-Brice Bonnet. “With this new interface, DDS Freight users will be able to communicate directly with shipping companies.”
A full range of new features for DDS Shipper

DDS Logistics has now included an online help tool in all DDS Shipper modules. Accessible via a hypertext link, it replaces the former hardcopy documents. In addition, DDS Logistics has also enriched each module of its software package to respond to new considerations and enhance performance.
New Sourcing module features
“Our sourcing module is constantly being developed in response to the burgeoning number of transactions and supply sources”, says Anne Lasserre, Customer Services Manager.

- Hosting non-listed suppliers. New suppliers can log directly onto the DDS Logistics customer platform to submit their catalogues. All they have to do is fill in a form to receive access permissions.

- Unsolicited catalogue management. Listed suppliers may offer their new products automatically by entering their information directly onto the customer platform or uploading an Excel file.

New Reference Database features

“Ecotax”. The reference database module now incorporates the calculation for the eco-contribution tax for processing waste material from electrical and electronic equipment.

New TMS Import/Export module features

Dot.net technology. The TMS Import/Export module has benefited from improved technology. This application now works with dot.net. applications. Emmanuel Pigeard, Product Manager, says: “The upgrade to dot.net compatibility enables the application to be fully accessible from the Internet, and means data can be imported or edited over the net. This makes the application more streamlined and user-friendly.” With the help of the dot.net technology, the homepage graphics and artwork have been improved and more functions have been added: a message – such as a link to technical support – can be configured for each user, and users can create shortcuts avoiding the menu, include rapid search criteria using a configurable screen, etc.
New TMS Distribution module features

Quote management and new service provider selection modes. As Dominique Laot, product manager, points out: “for spot quotes, DDS Shipper now offers and consults several carriers. Handlers can select the best offer from the various results and this is then transformed into a shipping order.”