CARGOMANAGER requires as input details of  the cargo items forming the load and of the available container / containers (or truck, trailer, frame pallet etc.) which might be used for the load. Much of this information relates to dimensions and weights, and additional information can optionally be provided on the characteristics of each cargo item type (fragility, layering constraints etc).

This input can be carried out in a variety of ways:

Direct screen data entry uses a set of windows screens linked to CARGOMANAGER database files (for user specified container and product information), to provide for input of information with the minimum of effort. This database is designed specifically so that it may be initially populated with data held in other systems.

Alternatively, as described later, it is possible to link CARGOMANAGER to other systems (say an AS400 data entry system) so that data already held in other systems can provide full or partial input into the software.

It is also possible to input consignment files from (for example) an Excel spreadsheet.

Direct Screen Entry.

CARGOMANAGER requires user entry of container and product dimensions, together with information on weight and orientation constraints. In-built database facilities for up to 50 containers and 9000 products are provided so that input into these screens can be carried out with minimal effort. If information for a particular product code is already held in the 9000 product database then this is automatically entered into the appropriate fields - data is just a mouse click away. The top portion of the product data entry screen is shown below.

 In addition, placement and priority information can be provided for each item in the consignment. This allows CARGOMANAGER to deal with the realities of the loading bay - heavy and fragile cargo, items which will arrive late, multi-drop consignments, and 'filler' items which are loaded last to fill any remaining space.

Once input is complete, a summary of input information is provided (which might result in a user deciding to return to add items to the consignment), before the (optional) saving of the datafile, and the subsequent packing of the cargo is carried out.

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