Welcome to the Guided Tour! Please click through the presentation at your own pace

Welcome to the Guided Tour!

Please click through the presentation at your own pace.

The Master SchedulerThe Master Scheduler

Welcome to the TMS Guided TourWelcome to the TMS Guided Tour

TMS is the Public Transit Planning, TMS is the Public Transit Planning, Scheduling, Operations, and Scheduling, Operations, and

Information tool that's perfect Information tool that's perfect for agencies and contractors of for agencies and contractors of

all sizes.all sizes.

themasterscheduler.com themasterscheduler.com

This Presentation…This Presentation…

……is both a comprehensive sales pitch is both a comprehensive sales pitch and a step-by-step “refresher” tutorialand a step-by-step “refresher” tutorial

In it, TMS is covered front-to-end.In it, TMS is covered front-to-end.


Schedule Masters, Inc.Schedule Masters, Inc.Schedule Masters, Inc. is a full-service company, offering a line of

software products, customizations, network integration, and training and data development.

The Master Scheduler (TMS) is in production use at more than 100 large and small properties.

TMS has also been field-tested and proven in the “Special Events” arena.

All Schedule Masters clients run the same version of the software. When one customer requests a change or addition, all

other clients are updated with the newer version.


More about TMS…More about TMS…TMS interfaces directly with the MapInfo for Windows street TMS interfaces directly with the MapInfo for Windows street

mapping package, and with the Crystal Reports report writer. mapping package, and with the Crystal Reports report writer. Interfaces to ArcInfo and ESRI shape files are included with the Interfaces to ArcInfo and ESRI shape files are included with the MapInfo package. Both MapInfo and Crystal are bundled with MapInfo package. Both MapInfo and Crystal are bundled with

TMS, and form part of the base software installation.TMS, and form part of the base software installation.

The TMS database follows a relational model. Individual The TMS database follows a relational model. Individual signups are maintained in separate folders, with no preset signups are maintained in separate folders, with no preset

limit to the number of available databases. Database security limit to the number of available databases. Database security is maintained on a network and station level. The system is maintained on a network and station level. The system

administrator has the ability to turn off update access to the administrator has the ability to turn off update access to the database on a table-by-table and station-by-station basis.database on a table-by-table and station-by-station basis.


The Guided TourThe Guided TourUsing dialog box snapshots taken directly from a live TMS Using dialog box snapshots taken directly from a live TMS session, the following slides will take you on a tour of the session, the following slides will take you on a tour of the

system.system.

You will see that data is entered into the system only once.You will see that data is entered into the system only once.

Each time a previously-defined data item is referred to, it is Each time a previously-defined data item is referred to, it is selected from a list and never retyped.selected from a list and never retyped.


This is the TMS front end

Tables and functions are

grouped logically at the left

Let’s start the tour with the “Tables” tab


The Directions TableThe Directions TableThe Directions Table holds the list of

all user-defined directions and abbreviations.

There is no preset limit to the number of directions that can be

maintained in the database.

Comment codes can be attached to any direction record, or any other

record within the system.

Both context-sensitive and full Windows Help are available in every dialog box in TMS.


The Routes TableThe Routes TableThe Routes Table holds the list of The Routes Table holds the list of

all user-defined routes.all user-defined routes.

There is no preset limit to the There is no preset limit to the number of routes that can be number of routes that can be maintained in the database.maintained in the database.

Each route can travel in one or Each route can travel in one or two directions, and can be flagged two directions, and can be flagged as an employee shuttle and/or a as an employee shuttle and/or a

school route.school route.


The Services TableThe Services TableThe Services Table holds the list of The Services Table holds the list of all user-defined service names. all user-defined service names.

There is no preset limit to the There is no preset limit to the number of services that can be number of services that can be

maintained in the database.maintained in the database.

Services can include Weekday, Services can include Weekday, Saturday, Sunday, Special Events, Saturday, Sunday, Special Events,

Friday Only, and so on.Friday Only, and so on.

A sort number is used to A sort number is used to govern the order in govern the order in which the service name which the service name appears in subsequent appears in subsequent dialog boxes.dialog boxes.


The Jurisdictions TableThe Jurisdictions TableThe Jurisdictions Table contains the The Jurisdictions Table contains the

list of user-defined operational list of user-defined operational jurisdictions.jurisdictions.

There is no preset limit to the There is no preset limit to the number of jurisdictions that can be number of jurisdictions that can be



The Divisions TableThe Divisions TableThe Divisions Table contains the The Divisions Table contains the list of all user-defined operational list of all user-defined operational

divisions.divisions.

There is no preset limit to the There is no preset limit to the number of divisions that can be number of divisions that can be



The Nodes and Stops TableThe Nodes and Stops TableThe Nodes and The Nodes and

Stops Table keeps Stops Table keeps the list of all user-the list of all user-defined timepoints defined timepoints

and stops.and stops.

There is no preset There is no preset limit to the number limit to the number of nodes that can of nodes that can be maintained in be maintained in

the database.the database.

Each node can be Each node can be assigned a number assigned a number

of user-of user-customizable customizable

associated data associated data elements and flags.elements and flags.

Timepoint numbers aren’t used in TMS, but they can be maintained and unloaded to older legacy systems


The Patterns TableThe Patterns TableThe Patterns Table The Patterns Table keeps the list of all keeps the list of all

user-defined patterns user-defined patterns on a route, service, on a route, service,

and direction basis. and direction basis.

There is no preset There is no preset limit to the number of limit to the number of patterns that can be patterns that can be

maintained in the maintained in the database, nor is there database, nor is there a preset limit to the a preset limit to the

number of nodes that number of nodes that can appear in a can appear in a

pattern.pattern.

Nodes and stops may Nodes and stops may be repeated within be repeated within

patterns.patterns.

The “BASE” pattern tells TMS how nodes are organized The “BASE” pattern tells TMS how nodes are organized along a route. Any number of sub-patterns can appear along a route. Any number of sub-patterns can appear after the BASE, indicating express service, short turns, after the BASE, indicating express service, short turns, and so on.and so on.


The Connections TableThe Connections TableThe Connections Table The Connections Table

contains the list of all user-contains the list of all user-defined node-to-node defined node-to-node

connection times.connection times.

There is no preset limit to the There is no preset limit to the number of connections that number of connections that

can be maintained in the can be maintained in the database.database.

Since all connection data is Since all connection data is maintained in a central maintained in a central

location, the scheduler has location, the scheduler has the option of selecting which the option of selecting which

connections are to be connections are to be displayed.displayed.


The Connections TableThe Connections TableBy simply selecting “From” By simply selecting “From”

and “To” nodes, and entering and “To” nodes, and entering the time it takes to move the time it takes to move

between them, the scheduler between them, the scheduler can create a general-case can create a general-case connection for use by any connection for use by any

route and service.route and service.

In this example, the In this example, the connection has been qualified connection has been qualified

by route, service, and by route, service, and direction of travel, thereby direction of travel, thereby controlling when and where controlling when and where

the connection is used.the connection is used.Normally, TMS will calculate node-to-node distances by following the streets on the map. You can override that distance here, if you like.


The Bus Types TableThe Bus Types Table

The Bus Types Table The Bus Types Table is used to maintain a is used to maintain a “Category List” of all “Category List” of all vehicles in the fleet.vehicles in the fleet.


The Buses TableThe Buses Table

The Buses Table keeps the The Buses Table keeps the vehicle inventoryvehicle inventory


The Sign Codes TableThe Sign Codes Table

The Sign Codes Table contains The Sign Codes Table contains codes and text for headsigns.codes and text for headsigns.

The codes and text from this table The codes and text from this table appear on the Driver Paddles appear on the Driver Paddles

produced by TMS.produced by TMS.


The Comments TableThe Comments TableThe Comments The Comments Table contains a Table contains a

central repository central repository of codes and notes of codes and notes

associated with associated with other TMS data other TMS data

items.items.

There is no preset There is no preset limit to the number limit to the number of comment codes of comment codes or notes that can or notes that can be maintained in be maintained in



The Trips Table is the first selection in the Trips/Blocks tab


The Trips TableThe Trips TableIn TMS, trip data is maintained In TMS, trip data is maintained by route, service, and direction. by route, service, and direction.

There is no preset limit to the There is no preset limit to the number of trips that can appear number of trips that can appear

in the database.in the database.

Only one trip time is recorded Only one trip time is recorded in the database, and that’s the in the database, and that’s the

time at the “Maximum Load time at the “Maximum Load Point” (MLP).Point” (MLP).

Whenever the trip used Whenever the trip used anywhere in the system, the anywhere in the system, the

most recent node, pattern, and most recent node, pattern, and connection data is used. connection data is used.

You never need to regenerate You never need to regenerate trips.trips.


Sorting TripsSorting TripsTrips can be shifted, sorted, Trips can be shifted, sorted,

assigned unique trip numbers, assigned unique trip numbers, and have other data modifications and have other data modifications

made to them.made to them.

This is a sample of the “Sort trips” This is a sample of the “Sort trips” dialog.dialog.


Graphical TripsGraphical TripsThis is the This is the

graphical trips graphical trips display of the display of the

Weekday Route Weekday Route 1 in Bermuda.1 in Bermuda.

The graph The graph reads down for reads down for Outbound, and Outbound, and

then up for then up for Inbound.Inbound.


Layover ParametersLayover Parameters

TMS allows the scheduler to select from a number of default layover TMS allows the scheduler to select from a number of default layover options. The simplest is by time in minutes. Another option is options. The simplest is by time in minutes. Another option is layover by percentage of trip time. The last option permits the layover by percentage of trip time. The last option permits the

scheduler to choose between minutes or percentage or trip time, scheduler to choose between minutes or percentage or trip time, and then by whichever is lower or higher.and then by whichever is lower or higher.

TMS supports both “standard” (bus) blocking and, for those TMS supports both “standard” (bus) blocking and, for those properties offering rail service, “dropback” (crew) blocking.properties offering rail service, “dropback” (crew) blocking.


BlockingBlockingThis is the front This is the front end to both the end to both the

Optimal and Optimal and Interactive Interactive

Blockers in TMS.Blockers in TMS.

Here, the Here, the scheduler can scheduler can choose which choose which

route(s) to block.route(s) to block.

If applicable, If applicable, parameters such parameters such as the minimum as the minimum and maximum and maximum

number of number of vehicles, inter-vehicles, inter-

lining, and dead-lining, and dead-heading can be heading can be

specified.specified.

Deadheading can Deadheading can be further con-be further con-strained by the strained by the

deadhead time in deadhead time in minutes.minutes.

The TMS Optimal Blocker produces a mathematically provable “least cost” solution based on user input. In addition to minimizing the peak vehicle requirement, the optimal blocker will also minimize the number of pull-outs, pull-ins, and total layover.


Interactive BlockingInteractive Blocking

This list control contains all the trips that have yet to be blocked. The trips are sorted by “From Time”.

This list control holds the trips that are currently blocked. Block 1932 is currently being created.

This list control has all those trips that can hook (based on interlining, layover, and deadheading parameters) with the highlighted trip in the “Existing blocks” list box.

The “Vehicle” column is empty because no vehicle type was assigned to these trips.


Pull-ins and Pull-outsPull-ins and Pull-outsOnce blocks have been Once blocks have been

formed, this dialog is used formed, this dialog is used to assign pull-out and pull-to assign pull-out and pull-

in garages to them. If in garages to them. If there’s more than one there’s more than one

garage or depot, TMS can garage or depot, TMS can automatically assign the automatically assign the

closest garage to the start closest garage to the start and end points of a block.and end points of a block.


Block SummariesBlock Summaries

Instant block summaries are Instant block summaries are provided in TMS via this dialogprovided in TMS via this dialog


Multiple Garage AssignmentMultiple Garage AssignmentIn properties with multiple In properties with multiple

garages, blocks can pull out of garages, blocks can pull out of one garage and into another.one garage and into another.

If runs are cut by garage, this If runs are cut by garage, this dialog tells TMS which garage dialog tells TMS which garage

particular blocks belong to.particular blocks belong to.


Other Blocks Table FunctionsOther Blocks Table Functions

Other functions available on the Blocks Table include:Other functions available on the Blocks Table include:RenumberingRenumberingHooking and UnhookingHooking and UnhookingCompressed Display (one-line block summary)Compressed Display (one-line block summary)


The Runs Table is the first selection in the Runcutting tab


The TMS RuncuttersThe TMS Runcutters

TMS Has three different runcutters built into the system.TMS Has three different runcutters built into the system.

Each employs a different strategy.Each employs a different strategy.

They are:They are: Manual – the scheduler chooses which blocks to cut Manual – the scheduler chooses which blocks to cut

and whereand where Min-Cost Matcher – used to produce one and two-Min-Cost Matcher – used to produce one and two-

piece runs, with or without a meal break, based on piece runs, with or without a meal break, based on blocks cut into the desired piece sizeblocks cut into the desired piece size

Recursive – creates one to ten-piece runs, with or Recursive – creates one to ten-piece runs, with or without a meal break, feeding on its own solution without a meal break, feeding on its own solution each step of the way until the best cut is foundeach step of the way until the best cut is found


RuntypesRuntypesRuntypes and their Runtypes and their

characteristics are user-characteristics are user-definable and definable and maintainable.maintainable.

““Min” and “Max” define Min” and “Max” define the lower and upper the lower and upper

bounds of a particular bounds of a particular type of run.type of run.

““Desired” numbers are Desired” numbers are used by the TMS optimal used by the TMS optimal runcutters as a starting runcutters as a starting point when cutting runs.point when cutting runs.


Runtype AttributesRuntype AttributesThis dialog shows the piece This dialog shows the piece

attributes of the run defined on the attributes of the run defined on the previous slide.previous slide.

On and off times can be set when On and off times can be set when runs must be defined by such runs must be defined by such

designations as AM, PM, and so on.designations as AM, PM, and so on.

Minimum and maximum pay times Minimum and maximum pay times can be established on a piece-by-can be established on a piece-by-

piece basis in addition to a set piece basis in addition to a set minimum pay time for the run.minimum pay time for the run.


OvertimeOvertimeAll overtime rules All overtime rules pertaining to the pertaining to the runcut are user-runcut are user-

definable.definable.

Overtime can be set Overtime can be set out on a day-of-out on a day-of-service basis.service basis.


Premium DefinitionsPremium Definitions

The next few slides show dialogs that controlThe next few slides show dialogs that control

““Premium Definition” in TMS.Premium Definition” in TMS.

All non-platform time, with the exception of pad time, is All non-platform time, with the exception of pad time, is defined in this manner. (Pad, or make-up, time was defined defined in this manner. (Pad, or make-up, time was defined

on the “Runtypes” slide under “Minimum pay time”).on the “Runtypes” slide under “Minimum pay time”).


Premiums – Start / End TravelPremiums – Start / End TravelThis dialog shows the This dialog shows the

definition of a “Start / End definition of a “Start / End Travel” premium.Travel” premium.

Any travel time can be Any travel time can be dynamically calculated by dynamically calculated by TMS by having the driver TMS by having the driver

move to/from a relief move to/from a relief location via another location via another

regularly scheduled bus, regularly scheduled bus, and/or a vehicle that’s and/or a vehicle that’s

pulling out or in.pulling out or in.


Premiums – Start/End TravelPremiums – Start/End TravelThere are a number of There are a number of

factors that could affect factors that could affect the way this premium is the way this premium is

paid.paid.

This dialog shows them, This dialog shows them, and gives the user and gives the user control over which control over which

qualifier(s) to apply to qualifier(s) to apply to the premium.the premium.


Premiums – Start/End TravelPremiums – Start/End Travel

This is the last stage of this premium’s definitionThis is the last stage of this premium’s definition


Other PremiumsOther Premiums

An unlimited number of other premiums can be applied to runs.An unlimited number of other premiums can be applied to runs.

Some examples are:Some examples are: Report and/or turn-in timeReport and/or turn-in time Travel between pieces of workTravel between pieces of work Pulling a bus out or pulling it inPulling a bus out or pulling it in Driving a particular vehicle typeDriving a particular vehicle type


Relief PointsRelief Points

Nodes that are eligible to be relief points are identified on the Nodes and Nodes that are eligible to be relief points are identified on the Nodes and Stops Table. Relief points can be set out by service day. In those cases Stops Table. Relief points can be set out by service day. In those cases where the scheduler chooses to omit certain relief points from runcutter where the scheduler chooses to omit certain relief points from runcutter

consideration, TMS will accept different relief point identifiers. In the consideration, TMS will accept different relief point identifiers. In the above dialog, the system is indicating that four unique identifiers were above dialog, the system is indicating that four unique identifiers were

created on the Nodes and Stops Table: “C”, “G”, “P”, and “S”.created on the Nodes and Stops Table: “C”, “G”, “P”, and “S”.


Runcutting ParametersRuncutting Parameters

This is the Runcut Parameters dialog. This is This is the Runcut Parameters dialog. This is where the scheduler can guide the runcut by where the scheduler can guide the runcut by making various combinations of selections. making various combinations of selections.


RuncuttingRuncutting

This dialog is the front end to the Interactive Runcutter.Here, the scheduler can choose which blocks to cut into runs.


The Visual RuncutterThe Visual Runcutter

The Visual Runcutter consists of two primary windows.The Visual Runcutter consists of two primary windows.

The Block Plot is seen on the next slide, and the Runs Display The Block Plot is seen on the next slide, and the Runs Display is seen later on.is seen later on.

Both windows are sizeable and modeless - you can switch Both windows are sizeable and modeless - you can switch between them at any time without closing one or the other.between them at any time without closing one or the other.

TMS will remember, from one session to the next, the size and TMS will remember, from one session to the next, the size and position of both windows.position of both windows.


The Block PlotThe Block Plot


The Block Plot ExplainedThe Block Plot Explained

This slice of a Block Plot window shows block 1011 pulling outThis slice of a Block Plot window shows block 1011 pulling out

from G at 615A, and pulling back in to FL at 1235P.from G at 615A, and pulling back in to FL at 1235P.

The total block length is 6:20.The total block length is 6:20.

This block has been cut in its entirety into run 101.This block has been cut in its entirety into run 101.

Under the line is the length of the segment in hours and Under the line is the length of the segment in hours and minutes. minutes.


ColorsColorsPressing the Colors Pressing the Colors button on the Block button on the Block

Plot window displays Plot window displays the Colors dialog:the Colors dialog:

Each color selected here is displayed in the status field whenever a run or run portion is displayed.


The Runs DisplayThe Runs Display

The Runs Display shows the details of runs that have been cut.

The color in the status column corresponds to the colors in the Blocks Display.

All the columns in this display are settable, sizeable, and moveable.


The Block Plot Context MenuThe Block Plot Context Menu

Right-clicking on a block in the Block Plot window displays the context menu.

The Cut menu item gives the user access to the automatic

and optimal runcutting features of TMS.


Context Menu: Jump to RunContext Menu: Jump to RunMany different runs can Many different runs can

be cut out of a block.be cut out of a block.

The Jump to Run The Jump to Run selection allows the user selection allows the user to “jump” to a particular to “jump” to a particular run in the Runs Display run in the Runs Display

window.window.


Context Menu: Display BlocksContext Menu: Display Blocks

This menu selection allows the user to display a subset of blocks on the screen: All the blocks, just those with uncut work, or just those that have pieces cut into illegal runs.

Context Menu: Sort byContext Menu: Sort by

The Sort by menu selection changes the order of appearance in the Blocks Plot. The sort choices are by block number,

block length, block on time, and block off time.


Context Menu: Select / Deselect AllContext Menu: Select / Deselect All

This menu selection will highlight (or remove the highlighting) of the blocks in the Blocks Plot window.

Individual blocks, or ranges of blocks, can be selected using the mouse with <Ctrl> and <Shift>, in a manner identical to

the Windows Explorer.


Context Menu: PropertiesContext Menu: PropertiesThe Properties box on the Block The Properties box on the Block Plot window shows the status of Plot window shows the status of the block at all its cut points, the the block at all its cut points, the

run(s) associated with those run(s) associated with those points, the relief point names and points, the relief point names and times, and how far into the block times, and how far into the block

each relief point is.each relief point is.

Left-clicking any row will show Left-clicking any row will show the details of the trip on which a the details of the trip on which a

relief point occurs.relief point occurs.

Right-clicking any row that hasn’t Right-clicking any row that hasn’t been cut yet will display the been cut yet will display the

Manual Cut dialog.Manual Cut dialog.


Manual CutManual CutThe Manual Cut dialog initially assumes the start and end of the relief point range as the cut points. If this were the

case, pressing OK would cut the block there. If different

points were desired, then the relief location and time in

question can be dragged and dropped into the Start relief

and End relief controls.

Whenever the contents of those controls change, the run is automatically recosted and

its new costing displayed.If a run isn’t paying out, it means there’s If a run isn’t paying out, it means there’s something wrong with it. Press the “Why is the something wrong with it. Press the “Why is the run paying 0:00” button to display the reason.run paying 0:00” button to display the reason.


The Runs Display Context MenuThe Runs Display Context Menu

Right-clicking on a run in the Runs Display Right-clicking on a run in the Runs Display displays the context menu. displays the context menu.

The Commands pop-up is:The Commands pop-up is:


Context Menu: CommandsContext Menu: CommandsFreezing a run will cause its Status color to change to the color Freezing a run will cause its Status color to change to the color

selected on the dialog. Thawing it will change it back.selected on the dialog. Thawing it will change it back.

Reassigning a runtype will cause TMS to recost a run.Reassigning a runtype will cause TMS to recost a run.

The “Hook runs” selection takes two or more individual pieces The “Hook runs” selection takes two or more individual pieces and combines them into a single run.and combines them into a single run.

““Unhook pieces” will separate a run into individual pieces and Unhook pieces” will separate a run into individual pieces and keeps those pieces cut, while “Undo entire run” deletes it from keeps those pieces cut, while “Undo entire run” deletes it from

the current cut.the current cut.

The “Improve runcut” command examines the current solution The “Improve runcut” command examines the current solution and tests the feasibility of moving relief points back and forth in and tests the feasibility of moving relief points back and forth in

an effort to improve the total cost of the solution.an effort to improve the total cost of the solution.themasterscheduler.com themasterscheduler.com

Commands Menu: Shifting RunsCommands Menu: Shifting Runs

The start and end points of any piece of any runThe start and end points of any piece of any run

can be shifted forward or backward.can be shifted forward or backward.


Commands Menu: Swapping PiecesCommands Menu: Swapping Pieces

Pieces of runs can be easily Pieces of runs can be easily switched via theswitched via the

““Swap Run Pieces” dialog.Swap Run Pieces” dialog.

When the desired pieces When the desired pieces are highlighted and the are highlighted and the

Swap button is pressed, the Swap button is pressed, the pieces are switched and pieces are switched and TMS displays the newly TMS displays the newly

formed runs.formed runs.

The scheduler can then The scheduler can then either accept or reject the either accept or reject the

changes.changes.


Commands Menu: RenumberCommands Menu: Renumber

Within the Visual Runcutter, the Scheduler has the ability to renumber runs, and optionally sort them at the same time.


Context Menu: DisplayContext Menu: DisplayThe Runcut The Runcut SummarySummary

can be can be displayed at displayed at

any point any point during the during the

runcut.runcut.


Display Menu: Block ProfileDisplay Menu: Block ProfileThis is the profile This is the profile

graph of the graph of the current runcut.current runcut.

The red bars in the The red bars in the graph represent the graph represent the

original blocks. original blocks.

The blue bars show The blue bars show the remaining work the remaining work

to be cut.to be cut.


Context Menu: PropertiesContext Menu: PropertiesAll run details are listed in the All run details are listed in the

Runs Display window.Runs Display window.

The Properties box displays a The Properties box displays a confirmation message if the confirmation message if the

run is legal, or an information run is legal, or an information message if the run is not.message if the run is not.

The only way to create an The only way to create an illegal run in TMS is to do it illegal run in TMS is to do it manually. The two optimal manually. The two optimal

runcutters will not create runs runcutters will not create runs outside the parameters.outside the parameters.


Travel InstructionsTravel Instructions

Travel times and instructions can be dynamically calculated by the TMS Trip Planner and made part of the driver’s paddle.


Crew Only RunsCrew Only Runs

Runs in TMS do not have to be part of a block.

If your property uses “Stand-by” drivers in case of emergency,

sickness, or overloads, you can define them on the Crew Only

Runs Table.

These runs can be made part of the Roster or left on the Daily

Assignment Sheet.


The Driver Types Table is the first selection in the Workforce

Management tab


The Driver Types TableThe Driver Types Table

The Driver Types Table holds the list of user-defined driver

classifications.

There is no preset limit to the number of classifications that can be maintained in the database.


The Driver Data TableThe Driver Data TableThe Driver Data The Driver Data

Table holds the list Table holds the list of user-entered of user-entered

drivers.drivers.

There is no preset There is no preset limit to the number limit to the number of drivers that can of drivers that can be maintained in be maintained in


There is a “Driver Data” loader in TMS. It was created to save the trouble of manual entry of existing information. The load routine can accept data in any number of formats.


The Driver Data TableThe Driver Data TableTMS always uses four-digit years in

its database.

When two or more drivers have the same seniority date, you can

specify who’s first via the

“Seniority sort #”


The Driver Data TableThe Driver Data TableLicense

information can also be tracked

and maintained in TMS


Rostering - Service DaysRostering - Service Days

The TMS Rostering System relies upon user-defined days of service


Rostering ParametersRostering ParametersFor the actual rostering process, this dialog tells the system the types of runs that can operate together from one day

to the next.

There is also an option to “Equalize Work”.

When work equalization is selected, TMS will

automatically produce rosters of as close to

equal length as possible.


Choosing the Runs to RosterChoosing the Runs to RosterThis dialog is used to tell TMS which runs to include in the rostering

process.


Interactive/Optimal RosteringInteractive/Optimal RosteringThis is the TMS This is the TMS

Interactive Interactive Rostering dialog.Rostering dialog.

The top list control The top list control contains the runs contains the runs that are still to be that are still to be

rostered.rostered.

The bottom list The bottom list control contains control contains all the existing all the existing

rosters.rosters.

Each list control Each list control has a context-has a context-

menu associated menu associated with it.with it.


Online (Cafeteria-Style) BiddingOnline (Cafeteria-Style) Bidding


Online (Cafeteria-Style) BiddingOnline (Cafeteria-Style) BiddingIn the Operator Bidding Module, TMS processes drivers from the Drivers

Table in seniority order, by driver type.

Along with a “Bidding Administrator”, operators use this dialog to select their work for the next cycle. The Bidding Administrator has the ability to

skip a driver, alter a particular driver’s status, suspend the bidding process, or to rewind the bid back to a particular driver, and resume from

there. Each one of these functions requires a password.

As the instructions on the dialog state, the operator must first choose an off-day pair. The number in parentheses following each pair shows the

number of remaining pairs.

Once the driver has chosen all of his/her work, the “Verify” button is enabled. When pressed, TMS either displays a message stating that the combination of runs is valid, or it tells the operator that his/her selections are invalid, and why. If a valid roster has been entered and verified, the

system will print out assignment sheets for the driver to sign as accepted. Once complete, the next driver in seniority order makes his/her

selections.themasterscheduler.com themasterscheduler.com

Daily OperationsDaily Operations


Daily OperationsDaily OperationsThe TMS Daily Operations Module uses a front end dialog to

allow dispatchers to perform day-to-day tasks.

There are four main components to the module:

Vehicle Assignment

Operator Check-in and Check-out

Operator Absence Recording

Open Work Monitor


Daily Ops – Vehicle AssignmentDaily Ops – Vehicle AssignmentThis portion of the dialog allows dispatchers to easily move buses in and out of service.

TMS tracks assignments, check-ins, and when and where vehicle swaps take place.


Daily Ops – Operator Check-in/outDaily Ops – Operator Check-in/outIf your Agency requires drivers to check in or out, dispatchers may do so here. TMS will record the time and date in its audit trail.

If you don’t require drivers to check in or out, TMS can easily be configured to simply record miss-outs, mid-shift book-offs, and lates.


Daily Ops – Operator AbsenceDaily Ops – Operator AbsenceCurrent or future Operator absences can be maintained in TMS.

When vacation and other future time off is recorded, the system knows who is and is not available for extra work, and what runs or rosters need to be covered.


Daily Ops – Open WorkDaily Ops – Open Work

The Open Work Monitor allows the Dispatcher to assign runs to available personnel.

The Available Operator List can be ordered by seniority or on a rotation basis.


DisciplineDisciplineOperator Discipline can

be tracked with the Discipline Module.

All Violation types, Violations, and Actions are completely user-

customizable and modifiable.

The “Duration” column shows how long each

offence will stay on the Operator’s record.


Trip Planning is available from within TMS, and through a web-based interface


Web-Based Trip PlannerWeb-Based Trip Planner

The TMS Trip Planner dialog allows for the entry of origin and destination information as an address, intersection, or landmark. Options pertaining to trip time and vehicle characteristics may

be entered prior to pressing “Get Travel Instructions”.themasterscheduler.com themasterscheduler.com

Trip Planning - ResultsTrip Planning - Results


Customer CommentsCustomer Comments

This is the front end to the TMS Customer Comments Module.This is where new complaints are registered, or old complaints

are selected for review.themasterscheduler.com themasterscheduler.com

Customer Comments EntryCustomer Comments Entry


Customer Comments EntryCustomer Comments EntryThe previous screen was designed to make the customer call

as conversational as possible. The call taker, reading from the dialog, can prompt the caller for all input in an effort to keep

the customer as focused as possible.

Data entry in this screen has the following features:A reusable and updatable database of customersTracking of previous callsDetails on any incident including date, time, vehicle

number, and driver identificationRoute, location, and direction detailsVehicle speed and customer time difference


Customer Comment ProcessingCustomer Comment Processing


Customer Comment ProcessingCustomer Comment Processing

Once the call is complete, the call-taker processes the customer’s comment.

The dialog on the previous slide shows, on the left side, an English-language representation of the entry dialog. The call-taker has the option of adding additional user-defined

comments on the right.

Options exist to print an acknowledgement letter, and/or to print or email the log.

When the log is printed for employee review, customer data is omitted.


Customer Comment Follow-UpCustomer Comment Follow-Up


Customer Comment Follow-UpCustomer Comment Follow-Up

The “Supervisor Worksheet” is accessible only by those with password clearance.

In it, the person that finalizes the call assigns or redirects the customer’s comment to the appropriate department,

and follow up with the customer.

If the call was a complaint, an employee’s written response can be scanned in and kept as part of the

complaint record.

All the drop-downs in this dialog – as with the rest of the Customer Comment Module, are user-configurable.


Customer Comment ReportsCustomer Comment ReportsReports in the Customer Comment Module can be generated with any of the criteria listed to the left.

Date ranges and sorting criteria can be used to

tailor the output


TimechecksTimechecksThe Timechecks

dialog allows Planners to record and analyze street

data for future incorporation into

the schedule.

Timecheck data can be recorded by

either route or trip number. When trip number is selected, the scheduled times

are displayed, as well as defaulted to. Actual times can be entered directly into

the edit controls, statistically

analyzed, and then written out directly

to the TMS Connection Times

table.


TMS PreferencesTMS PreferencesThe TMS Preferences The TMS Preferences

dialog sets (on a user-by-dialog sets (on a user-by-user basis) what is seen user basis) what is seen during a TMS session.during a TMS session.

Since all TMS users are on Since all TMS users are on the same version of the the same version of the

software, users can specify software, users can specify what appears in the what appears in the

Reports Menu.Reports Menu.

All other parameters are All other parameters are maintained from session maintained from session

to session.to session.


TMS Reports and DownloadsTMS Reports and DownloadsTMS ships with the following reports:TMS ships with the following reports:

Block Paddle (two types)Block Paddle (two types) Block/Run Assignments by TripBlock/Run Assignments by Trip Public Timetable DataPublic Timetable Data Dispatch Sheet (five types)Dispatch Sheet (five types) Driver Paddle (three types)Driver Paddle (three types) Productivity ReportProductivity Report Stop Listing and Distances (report and Excel format)Stop Listing and Distances (report and Excel format) Time/Distance by RouteTime/Distance by Route Time/Distance by BlockTime/Distance by Block Timepoint ActivityTimepoint Activity Unassigned DriversUnassigned Drivers Unrostered RunsUnrostered Runs HTML DownloadHTML Download Legacy System downloadsLegacy System downloads


TMS Reports and DownloadsTMS Reports and Downloads

The Crystal Report templates that come with TMS are user-modifiable.

Whenever Schedule Masters is commissioned to write a new report, that report becomes part of the system. All users of TMS benefit because all users stay on the same release of

the software.


Availability and PricingAvailability and Pricing

We can be at your property in as little as a week upon receipt of a purchase order.

Most agencies are up and running in five days with their existing schedule, runcut, and roster in place, and their

staff fully trained in the use of the system.

Please email us at [email protected].


Thanks!Thanks!……for taking the time to view this presentation.for taking the time to view this presentation.

Please feel free to call or email us with any questions you have.Please feel free to call or email us with any questions you have.

For an up-to-date list of the Public Transit properties using TMS, For an up-to-date list of the Public Transit properties using TMS, please see our web page. All of our users will give you an honest please see our web page. All of our users will give you an honest

appraisal of our product, and of our customer support.appraisal of our product, and of our customer support.


Documents

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