Logistics planners need to know what’s going on in their network, from the current degree of service to costs and performance demands. A simple Microsoft Excel-based tool can help keep everything in view. 

XCargo, an Excel plug-in by Siemens Logistics, offers a collection of daily-work templates through which shippers and logistics service providers can quickly and efficiently calculate transportation costs, determine appropriate freight rates, optimize network locations and more, the company says.

The tool displays figures and scenarios to enable decision-making — like planning transport routes, calculating rates and emissions, or visualizing the complex logistics network. It also simulates changes and how these affect the entire system.

Freight Buyers 

To successfully manage calls for bids, XCargo gives a standardized tool for planning and evaluating offers. It allows the user to rate a shipment and then select the service provider based upon cost, lead time and performance. 

For more information, contact Siemens Logistics at sl.info.us@siemens-logistics.com.