Database method and system for conducting integrated dispatching

Abstract

A technique for integrating a pre-existing business system with a fleet management system. The preexisting business system includes, for example, an accounting system, a warehousing system, a dock management system, a yard management system. These fleet management system uses, for example, a combination of a raster map and vector data to provide an easy-to-read display for managing objects or articles, e.g., vehicle, container. The method uses a host gateway to provide a TCP/IP or like interface between the various systems.

1 . A method for integrating a fleet management system onto legacy systems, said method comprising:
 providing a fleet management system on a first platform;   providing a legacy system on a second platform;   providing a database; and   integrating said fleet management system comprising raster data and vector data to said legacy system using said database and a host gateway, said raster data and said vector data being used to display a digital map.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said host gateway comprises an MIS gateway. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of integrating provides a TCP/IP interface between said fleet management system and said legacy system. 
     
     
         4 . A system for fleet management, said system comprising:
 a legacy system, said legacy system being selected from a yard management system, a dock management system, a warehouse management system;   a fleet management system comprising raster data and vector data to display a digital map;   a database; and   a gateway coupling said legacy system to said database and said fleet management system.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein said gateway comprises said database. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4  wherein said gateway coupling said legacy system and said fleet management system comprises a TCP/IP interface. 
     
     
         7 . A method for tracking at least one of a plurality of products, comprising:
 receiving arrival information about at least one of a plurality of vehicles transporting said at least one of a plurality of products at a distribution point;   receiving unloading information about said at least one of a plurality of products from said at least one of a plurality of vehicles transporting said at least one of a plurality of products, said unloading information being generated at said distribution point;   receiving storage information about said at least one of a plurality of products, said storage information resulting from storing said at least one of a plurality of products at said distribution point;   incorporating said arrival information, unloading information and storage information into a database to provide routing information for said at least one of a plurality of vehicles transporting said at least one of a plurality of products.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising receiving loading information about said at least one of a plurality products being loaded onto said at least one of a plurality of vehicles transporting said at least one of a plurality of products at said distribution point. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising receiving departure information about said at least one of a plurality of vehicles transporting said at least one of a plurality of products from said distribution point. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said arrival information about said at least one of a plurality of vehicles transporting said at least one of a plurality of products is received from a yard management system. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said unloading information about said at least one of a plurality of products is received from a dock management system. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said storage information about said at least one of a plurality of products is received from a warehouse management system. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said routing information about said at least one of a plurality of vehicles transporting said at least one of a plurality of products comprises a fleet management system. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said arrival information, loading information and storage information are received by a host gateway. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said host gateway receives said arrival information, loading information and storage information through a TCP/IP socket. 
     
     
         16 .- 22 . (canceled)