Trimac

Modernized Dispatch System with Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Bounteous x Accolite leveraged Trimac’s pre-existing AWS microservices foundation to build a responsive web application that modernized and increased the efficiency of the company’s entire trucking network.

  • DevOps & Cloud Managed Services
  • API & Microservices Engineering
  • Application Modernization

Business Issue

Trimac is a bulk transportation company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, and Houston, Texas, that operates across Canada and the continental U.S. with a diverse fleet of tractors, trailers, customers, and drivers.

Due to a vast operating geography, dispatch teams manage a complex set of data points. Gathering real-time data from multiple external and internal sources (such as road conditions, traffic, and weather), and layering that data over internal operational systems such as IoT and telematics was becoming unmanageable. To alleviate the burden on dispatchers, Trimac decided to gather relevant data points to suggest operational improvements through AWS’s public cloud offering. A key missing piece was who was going to act on these insights—specifically, which dispatcher would be best to react to the insight engines were churning out.

Trimac wanted to create a web application and give dispatchers a configurable and personalized dashboard that presents timely insights and a reliable source of decision-making support.

Solution

Bounteous x Accolite leveraged Trimac’s pre-existing AWS microservices foundation to build a responsive web application that modernized and increased the efficiency of the company’s entire trucking network.

The customized Dispatch Assistant application is user-friendly, accessible, and intuitive. The application lets dispatch teams view detailed orders, asset locations, and alerts/reminders all in a single place. New functionality generates real-time driver notifications about weather, traffic, and other conditions.

Modern technologies customized for dispatchers allowed Trimac to attract and retain talent in the market. Integrating Trimac team members into the process enabled knowledge transfer, co-creation, real-time user feedback, and opportunities for the development team to learn how to develop cloud solutions.

Outcomes 

Trimac experienced a significant transformation through our collaborative efforts, leading to substantial improvements across various operational dimensions.

Improved efficiency was achieved by reducing manual processes, which streamlined workflows and reduced the potential for human error. Increased accuracy came through the integration of real-time data access, enabling better decision-making and enhanced operational precision. This initiative proved the immense value of transitioning to a cloud-based foundation, demonstrating benefits that affirm continued investment in cloud migration.

Utilizing existing AWS cloud services, Trimac was able to better utilize existing frameworks and internal skillsets, resulting in seamless integration and optimization of resources. Safety was increased by facilitating instant communication between dispatchers and drivers, improving safety protocols, and ensuring rapid response times in critical situations. Enhanced visibility into critical alerts and warnings allowed Trimac to respond swiftly to potential issues, thereby minimizing risks and ensuring continuity of operations.

We laid a strong foundation for future modernization efforts, ensuring that Trimac is well-prepared for ongoing advancements. The project was delivered quickly without compromising quality, emphasizing our commitment to excellence and efficiency. Optimization of the initial systems build resulted in significantly improved performance, laying a solid groundwork for future enhancements. Through extensive knowledge sharing, Trimac’s team was better directed on application usage and the capabilities built within the cloud, empowering them to leverage new technologies effectively.

Overall, the partnership propelled Trimac towards a more modern, efficient, and safe operational paradigm, setting the stage for continued success and future innovation.