StartupGuideCargoOffice < Cargooffice

---++ Start-up Guide for Cargo Office

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---+++ About Cargo Office
   * Cargo Office is a huge toolbox full of applications and functionality for companies working in the transport industry.
   * You can use Cargo Office as a stand alone TMS, though many companies use Cargo Office as an extend to their current functionality.
   * Cargo Office is also very usefull as <a href="StartupGuideCargoOffice#Community_Software" target="_self">Community Software</a>.
---+++ Guidelines to use this start-up guide
   * This is a start-up guide with short descriptions of some of the most used features of Cargo Office.
   * We do not know what is of interest for you, therefore the list is a bit long. We suggest not to spill valuable time about descriptions that are not clear, it's probably something you do not need.
   * If you are looking for something you can not find in this guide, please use the <a href="BugtrackingDocumentation" target="_blank">Report System</a> in your Cargo Office to sent Cargo Office Programmers a message.
   * If you do not have a Cargo Office yet, then use the Join form or <a href="http://www.cargooffice.com/?menu=contact" target="_blank">Contact form</a> at the <a href="http://www.cargooffice.com/" target="_blank">CargoOffice.com website</a>.
---+++ Most used functionality:
---++++ User Management

With Cargo Office you are able to address and manage different kind of users: customers, subcontractors, staff, financial departement, management, etc.
   * In the Front Office you are able to receive all users that are not part of your company. <br />Access to Back Office should be restricted to your company only.
   * How to <a href="AddUsers" target="_blank">add users</a>.
---++++ Order Entry

You and your customers are able to add orders to Cargo Office by web interface and EDI-upload. As well as by batch.
   * How to use the <a href="OrderentryStart" target="_blank">order entry web interface</a>.
   * How to use [[EdiDatatransfer][file-upload]].
   * Cargo Office supports these EDI-types by default: <a href="EdiStandard" target="_blank">CSV, XML, XLS and TTM</a>.
   * Cargo Office supports many other imports from <a href="http://cargooffice.com/?menu=partners" target="_blank">partners</a>, but is willing to create <a href="EdiSpecial" target="_blank">new tailor made imports</a> as well.
   * <a href="OrderentryBatchfunctions" target="_blank">Batch functionality</a>.
---++++ Order Management and Order Export

What to do when your orders have arrived.
   * How to sent entered orders to the right address, check parameter: <a href="ParametersOrderentrySpecific#order_OutputEmailAddress" target="_blank">orderOutputEmailAddress</a>
   * How to sent an output of orders in desired format, check parameter: [[ParametersOrderentrySpecific#order_OutputType][orderOutputType]]
   * Different <a href="EdiDatatransfer" target="_blank">transfer methods</a> of order output.
   * With [[TracktraceOrderoverview][Active Shipments]] you can manage your orders by: editing, <a href="ShipmentstatusEdit" target="_blank">adding new statuses</a>, [[StartupGuideCargoOffice#Quotation][receiving quotes]], printing documents, etc.
   * How to <a href="EdiStatusUpdates" target="_blank">sent order updates</a> to Cargo Office.
   * Show a different customer Active Shipments layout in your Front Office by using parameter: <a href="ParametersTracktraceDefault#ttinfocustlistcolumns" target="_blank">ttinfocustlistcolumns</a>.
   * Order information exchange with <a href="StartupGuideCargoOffice#Community_Software" target="_self">Community Software</a> goes even faster, cheaper and is easy to implement.
---++++ Document Administration

With <a href="TracktraceOrderoverview" target="_blank">Active Shipments</a> you automatically have access to many document types.
   * Examples of template based default documents are: <a href="StickerTemplates" target="_blank">labels or stickers</a>, <a href="CmrTemplates" target="_blank">CMR</a>, <a href="BookingTemplates" target="_blank">Booking details / Con Notes</a>, <a href="BolTemplates" target="_blank">BoL</a>, <a href="PickuplistTemplates" target="_blank">pick-up lists.</a>
   * If you need to adjust a template or have a new template made according your wishes, then contact Cargo Office Programmers by using your <a href="BugtrackingDocumentation" target="_blank">Report System</a>.
   * You are able to attach documents to your orders. Examples of attached documents are: signatures, POD's, CMR's, BOL's, pick-lists, etc.<br />
      * Attached documents become <a href="BookingTemplates#Attached_documents" target="_blank">visible in your booking form</a>.
      * Cargo Office can sent documents to preferred (FTP or Email) addresses. Check these <a href="StatusActionsUrl" target="_blank">examples</a> or sent Cargo Office Programmers a request to do this for you.
      * Document exchange with <a href="StartupGuideCargoOffice#Community_Software" target="_self">Community Software</a> goes even faster, cheaper and is easy to implement.
      * _Note:_ depending on your requests, attaching documents may involve extra programming costs.
   * The document management system has control functions defining rights to groups of users for editing/visibility of added documents. If interested in this functionality contact Cargo Office Programmers by your <a href="BugtrackingDocumentation" target="_blank">Report System</a>.
   * All documents are stored at a <a href="DocumentServer" target="_blank">Document Server in the Cloud</a>.<br /><i>Note</i>: there is an extra fee for using document storage.
---++++ Track & Trace

Every order inside Cargo Office has a unique Tracking Number.
   * With Tracking Numbers your clients can be informed about the current status of a shipment or expected pick-up and delivery times.
   * Tracking numbers are visible at the top right corners of the <a href="BookingTemplates" target="_blank">Booking Forms</a> and are exported in every data set from Cargo Office.
   * Tracking numbers can be <a href="TracktraceNumber" target="_blank">used in your Front Office</a> or inside a [[StartupGuideTrackTraceInfo][custom made Track Trace Info website]].
   * After the creation of an order Tracking Numbers can also be sent immediately to your customers by using <a href="StatusactionsEditScreen#Single_Action_entry" target="_blank">Status Actions</a>.
   * Updates of your shipments can also be sent through <a href="StartupGuideCargoOffice#Community_Software" target="_self">Community Software</a>, so connected companies can view these updates inside their own software systems in real time.
---++++ Communication

Cargo Office functionality is very flexible and can be easily adjusted to support other systems or users.
   * Messages and order information can be sent by different methods: <a href="CargoofficeCommunication#Connections_to_Cargo_Office_User" target="_blank">SMS/text messages</a>, <a href="StartupGuideCargoOffice#Document_Administration" target="_self">documents</a>, <a href="CargoofficeCommunication#Connections_to_Cargo_Office_Appl" target="_blank">e-mail, API, FTP, etc</a>.
   * For <a href="EdiHowto" target="_blank">import/export of information</a> to other devices like <a href="PdaDescription" target="_blank">PDA's, smartphones</a> and on-board computers <a href="DotCodes" target="_blank">dotcodes</a> can be used.
   * Custom made messages (SMS or Email) can easily be configured by using <a href="StatusactionsEditScreen#Single_Action_entry" target="_blank">Status Actions</a>.
   * <a href="BackofficeSettingsDescription#schedular" target="_blank">Schedular functions</a> can be used to run specified programs or sent (defined) messages at an arranged time.
   * Most Cargo Office functionality can be easliy embedded in your own environment or website, see this <a href="http://www.loginet.nl/embedFXexample.htm" target="_blank">example</a>.
   * Extra communication functionality is also available inside the <a href="StartupGuideCargoOffice#Community_Software" target="_self">Community Software</a>.
---++++ EDI

If your customers prefer to sent or receive orders in specific formats or files, Cargo Office offers extensive EDI options.
   * <a href="EdiStandard" target="_blank">CSV-, XML-, XLS- and TTM-files</a> are imported easy.
   * If you like to adjust the CSV-, XML-, XLS-files of your customers before importing it to Cargo Office you can use the <a href="EdiConfigurator" target="_blank">EDIconfigurator</a>.
   * Formattable output files in CSV and XML are available. As well as <a href="CargoofficeCommunication#Connections_to_Cargo_Office_Appl" target="_blank">many custom made parsers</a> to TMS, WMS and FMS-<a href="http://cargooffice.com/?menu=partners" target="_blank">partners</a>.
   * Cargo Office is connected with hundreds of custom made parsers. You can always ask us to <a href="EdiSpecial" target="_blank">build another one</a>.
   * By default the following <a href="EdiDatatransfer" target="_blank">data transport methods</a> are available: Http, Email, API and FTP options.
---++++ Billing and Invoicing

Sent your financial data as soon as as you have received your POD.
   * <a href="EdiStandard" target="_blank"></a>For every order entered in Cargo Office you are able to <a href="ProfitLoss#Calculate_Route" target="_blank">calculate distances</a>.
   * For every order in Cargo Office you are able to add cost- and charge amounts to calculate <a href="ProfitLoss" target="_blank">profit/loss-amounts</a> per order.
   * When you use specific algorithms for distances x costs, <a href="Cargooffice/StatusActionsUrl#Spreadsheet_call" target="_blank">spreadsheet functionality</a> could be very usefull and a cheap alternative.
   * Financial order information can easily be <a href="InvoicedTobe" target="_blank">outputed by different options</a> to systems or users of your choice.
   * Cargo Office can also forward files to your FMS, with help of one our parsers created for our <a href="http://cargooffice.com/?menu=partners" target="_blank">partners</a> or by creating a <a href="EdiSpecial" target="_blank">new parser</a>.
   * <a href="TemplatesInvoice" target="_blank">Template based invoices</a> can be generated and created according your wishes.
   * Price and cost calculating of multiple shipments by <a href="Cargooffice/StatusActionsUrl#Spreadsheet_call" target="_blank">uploading spreadsheets</a>. In these spreadsheets you are able to use your own calculation functions, for example: graduated rates inside postcode areas per customer. <br /> _Note_: there is an extra fee for using spreadsheet functionality.
---++++ Community Software

Better business often means working together on selected issues.
   * By using <a href="MyGroups" target="_blank">My Groups</a> you can create groups of users, e.g. to sent or receive Requests For Quotations.
   * Cargo Office uses easy to implement <a href="StatusActionsUrl" target="_blank">copy functions</a> for orders and documents to subcontractors or other connected companies.
   * There are convenient features available to update your Cargo Office orders. It is the fastest way for receiving status information back from your partners or connected systems.<br />
      * by using <a href="EdiStatusUpdates" target="_blank">EDI Status Updates</a>
      * by using <a href="StatusActionsUrl#Update_shipment" target="_blank">Update Shipment.</a>
      * by using <a href="StatusactionsEditScreen#Single_Action_entry" target="_blank">Cargo Office ttmail</a> ( #Address #note2).
      * by using <a href="DotCodes" target="_blank">Dot Codes</a> in your mobile environment.
   * For every received order status in Cargo Office you are able to sent a personalized and custom made messages, by using <a href="StatusactionsEditScreen#Single_Action_entry" target="_blank">Status Actions</a>.
---++++ Dispatch

Assign your transport orders to vehicles, drivers, subcontractors, equipment, etc.
   * <a href="NodesMaintenance" target="_blank">Drivers/subcontractors management</a>.
   * <a href="TripDocumentation" target="_blank">Trip management</a>.
   * <a href="DispatchAssign" target="_blank">Assigning orders/trips</a>
   * How to connect with your <a href="PdaDescription" target="_blank">mobile phone</a>.
   * How to <a href="CargoofficeCommunication" target="_blank">communicate</a> by sending messages, documents, updates, dotcodes, actions, etc.
   * How to connect your <a href="StartupGuideCargoOffice#Subcontractors" target="_self">subcontractors</a>.
---++++ Quotation

Make it easy to attract new business and start receiving RFQ's by using <a href="QuotationsDocumentation" target="_blank">Quotation</a> services.
   * At your Front Office (new)customers are able to sent you <a href="QuotationForm" target="_blank">Requests For Quotations</a>.
   * If interested, <a href="QuoteCreating" target="_blank">respond with a quote</a>.
   * Interested what you have quoted previously, then look it up in your historic <a href="QuotationActive" target="_blank">quotation overview</a>.
   * When you combine RFQ- and orderentry functinality you can re-use the same digitalised information, so <a href="QuoteReceiving" target="_blank">an approved quote</a> becomes a transport order.
   * Use <a href="MyGroups" target="_blank">My Groups</a> and <a href="StartupGuideCargoOffice#Community_Software" target="_self">Community Software</a> to share business options with selected companies or users.
---++++ Subcontractors

Start communicating more effectively with your <a href="FrontofficeContractors" target="_blank">subcontractors</a>.
   * For your subcontractors <a href="ContractorsAssigned" target="_blank">assigned orders or trips</a> can be made visible at your Front Office.
   * Subcontractors could also receive order information by mail or by <a href="PdaDescription" target="_blank">smart phones</a>.
   * Subcontractors using <a href="StartupGuideCargoOffice#Community_Software" target="_self">Community Software</a> have the advantage to receive orders and documents inside their own environment.
      * The monthly fees for use of Cargo Office are based on the inserted amount of shipments.
      * For most subcontractors it could be very cheap to start their own Cargo Office, and thus benefiting from all available Cargo Office options themselves.
      * <a href="StatusActionsUrl#Copy_a_shipment_to_a_subcontract" target="_blank">Copy functions</a> to a subcontractor Cargo Office.
      * How to start a new Cargo Office -&gt; go to <a href="http://cargooffice.com" target="_blank">CargoOffice.com</a>.
   * Easy import and export of relevant order details can be done by using <a href="StatusActionsUrl#Send_a_shipment_to_a_subcontract" target="_blank">status actions</a>.
   * For connected applications it is easy to sent information back to Cargo Office by using <a href="EdiStatusUpdates" target="_blank">status updates</a> or <a href="StatusactionsEditScreen#Single_Action_entry" target="_blank">updating facilities</a>.
---++++ Freight Exchange

Not willing to transport empty space and searching for backloads?
   * You are able to <a href="PostOffers" target="_blank">post offers</a> and to <a href="FindOffers" target="_blank">view offers</a>. As well as for freight as for equipment.
   * Share your offers only within your own community, by using <a href="MyGroups" target="_blank">My Groups</a>.
   * By <a href="StartupGuideCargoOffice#Community_Software" target="_self">Community Software</a> Cargo Office is connected with <a href="http://www.freecargo.com/" target="_blank">FreeCargo.com</a>. You always have an option to sent or view offers in this open freight exchange of over 15.000 transport companies as well.
---++++ Warehousing

The Cargo Office <a href="WarehouseDocumentation" target="_blank">warehousing module</a> is used by many small and middle large companies. It's a simple tool that keeps track of your inventory.
   * <a href="WhEditLocation" target="_blank">Product location</a> registration and <a href="WhEditProduct" target="_blank">product groups</a>.
   * <a href="WhInventory" target="_blank">Inventory</a> (history) reports.
   * Daily in/out log to calculate warehouse costs.
   * <a href="WhPickList" target="_blank">Picking lists</a> and pick-entry forms.
   * TMS export module for external transport planning and bookings & WMS export module for external (client) warehouse systems, through <a href="StartupGuideCargoOffice#EDI" target="_self">EDI</a>.
   * Cross docking option.
   * Automated delivery notification through <a href="CargoofficeCommunication" target="_blank">communication</a>.
---+++ Do you want more?
   * Extended Cargo Office information you can find at <a href="http://twiki.cargooffice.com" target="_blank">TWiki.CargoOffice.com</a> or use the search option in the top right corner.
   * For questions or requests, use the <a href="BugtrackingDocumentation" target="_blank">Bug Tracking System </a>in your Back Office.
   * If you do not have a Cargo Office yet, then use the Join form or <a href="http://www.cargooffice.com/?menu=contact" target="_blank">Contact form</a> at the <a href="http://www.cargooffice.com/" target="_blank">CargoOffice.com website</a>.
This topic: Cargooffice > AboutFreecargo > FreightExchangeHowto > WebHome > FreecargoProjects > PublicationDocs > StartupGuideCargoOffice
Topic revision: r7 - 2021-06-29 - RutgerRutgers