P.M. Executive Briefing - April 11

Driving Techniques That Save Fuel

While managers have control over some of the factors that contribute to fuel consumption, such as vehicle maintenance, alignment, and tire inflation, the person with the greatest influence over fuel economy is the driver. Drivers can conserve fuel by adopting a number of driving habits, as recommended by Caterpillar Truck Engine's guide, The Mark of a Professional.

Cruise control is another ally in the fight against egregious fuel expenditures, as it can save 6% more gas than the subtle fluctuations of a human driver. Furthermore, it makes more sense fuel-wise to shut the engine down if it is going to be idling for more than three minutes.

Caterpillar offers a host of other helpful suggestions, all of which can be found in The Mark of a Professional. To obtain a copy, call Caterpillar at 800-321-7332. Commercial Carrier Journal (03/00) Vol. 157, No. 3; P. 101; Cleaves, Eileen

Supply Chain From Excel to the Web

As late as 1996, the company was unable to accurately forecast customer demand, making it difficult for retailers to adequately stock their shelves. To streamline its supply chain, the company tapped Robert Larioza, who now serves as Bell's global planning manager.

"When I first started, the company basically had very little planning, forecasting, or inventory control tools in place," says Larioza.

Larioza temporarily deployed spreadsheets to help track and predict customer demand based on past purchases, then selected Logility's Logility Value Chain Solution (LVCS), as the company's permanent demand forecasting solution.

Bell uses the Logility Demand Planning Module (DPM) to form a rough demand forecast for each customer based on each month's sales figures. The company then emails the preliminary figures to the customer, who responds with any changes that should be made. Next, Bell runs the Inventory Planning module (IPM), which assesses how much inventory should be stocked to meet the forecasted demand.

Using these figures, Bell then uses the Distribution Requirements module (DRM) to determine the best way to deliver the inventory to its customers.

In the future, Bell plans to Web-enable its supply chain process, using one of Logility's Internet collaboration tools to create a private extranet within which Bell and its customers can communicate. PC Magazine (04/18/00) Vol. 19, No. 8; P. 23; Metz, Cade

Basic Items Tech-Savvy Owner Operators Need

Cellular phones, personal computers, office software, Internet access, and laptop computers are all becoming indispensable tools for owner operators. Nearly 90% of owner operators now use cell phones, and 64% use personal computers; however, only 63% of those with personal computers also have Internet access.

All of the power of the computer, business software, and Internet is available in portable format ideal for owner operators thanks to the laptop, yet only 14% of computer users own laptops. Owner Operator (03/00) Vol. 30, No. 2; P. 8; De Marco, Tony

Hookers & Haulers

For nine months, Stratford interviewed 71 male truckers at four Florida stops. Nearly one-third of the men said they had frequent sex with prostitutes, and condom use was rare. Some of the truckers acknowledged using drugs, primarily methamphetamines, cocaine, and alcohol.

Many of the drivers knew little about AIDS, with some believing it was a disease that only affects gay men or that condoms were of no use.

Stratford said the study's results demonstrate the need to establish clinics to screen, treat, and educate truckers about a variety of health issues, including HIV. Discover (05/00) Vol. 21, No. 5; P. 18; Glausiusz, Josie

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