Integrations

The Goodloading web application serves thousands of companies worldwide, with its API unlocking all possibilities by separating advanced algorithmic engines from the user interface and offering it as a service. This allows companies to achieve full automation and implement intelligent decision-making at any point in the supply chain in a PaaS (Platform as a Service) model. Our API provides access to a specialized computational platform.

Application programming interfaces are a key element, enabling smooth data flow and process automation between systems like TMS, WMS, ERP, route planners, and other supply chain management systems.

The main function of the API is to provide direct, programmatic access to the advanced computational engine of Goodloading. It is not a simple calculator, but a system solving complex, multidimensional optimization problems, which effective resolution by humans is practically impossible.

Key functionalities

  • Optimal space utilization: A fundamental function that involves arranging goods to maximize the use of every cubic meter of loading space.
  • Constraint-based planning: The ability to consider critical, real-world constraints such as information on axle loads, gross vehicle weight (GVW), and center of gravity calculations for the container.
  • Sequencing for multiple stops (Multistop): Automatic loading sequence planning for vehicles with multiple delivery or pickup points. The system ensures that goods intended for the first stop are loaded last (according to the LIFO principle), guaranteeing smooth and error-free unloading.
  • Vehicle Recommendation: A feature suggesting the choice of a more optimal vehicle or container from the available fleet based on the cargo manifest.
  • Loading visualization: together with the submitted calculation results, we provide a link to the visualization along with the loading sequence.

API Interaction Process: From Raw Data to a Ready-Made Plan

  1. Input: The client’s system (e.g. TMS, ERP, custom application) sends a secure API request containing structured data in JSON format. This data includes a list of goods (dimensions, weight, quantity, restrictions such as “do not stack”) and a list of available transport spaces (semi-trailers, containers with their dimensions and weight limits).
  2. Processing: The Goodloading engine receives this data and runs its proprietary algorithms to calculate the optimal loading plan.
  3. Output Data: The API returns a structured response in JSON format, containing a complete solution. It includes:
    – Final loading plan with coordinates for each item.
    – Key indicators: percentage of space utilization, total weight, axle loads.
    – Unique, shareable link to a 3D visualization with step-by-step animation of the loading process.
    – PDF version of the plan for documentation and archival purposes, available for download directly from the provided link.

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An important feature of the API is not only the calculation but also the provision of a shared, visual, and animated set of instructions. By returning a direct link to a ready, interactive 3D animation, it solves the key ‘last mile’ problem – effectively conveying a complex plan to the person physically loading the vehicle. This transforms the API from a simple data provider into a complete communication tool. It reduces the risk of execution errors at the warehouse ramp, which in turn prevents costly reloading, delays, and damage to goods.

Who is the Goodloading API for?

1. Large logistics and manufacturing companies

  • Main Challenges: High and unpredictable freight costs, inefficient fleet utilization, cargo damage leading to insurance claims, operational bottlenecks, time wasted on manual planning, errors in data transfer between systems (e.g., from ERP to TMS).
  • API Solution: The API acts as a “glue” connecting their existing systems. It allows for the construction of automated workflows where, for example, an order confirmed in the ERP system automatically triggers a request to the Goodloading API. The API determines the optimal vehicle and loading plan, then sends this plan to the TMS system for driver assignment. This creates a seamless, “touchless” planning process.

2. Digital Innovators: E-commerce platforms and 3PL operators

  • Main challenges: Inaccurate shipping quotations in the purchasing process (leading to cart abandonment or margin loss), complex order fulfillment logistics, high last-mile delivery costs, the need to offer customers value-added services (in the case of 3PL).
  • API Solution: The API can be integrated directly into the purchasing process on the e-commerce platform. When a customer has a cart full of products, an API query can instantly calculate the required shipping volume. This allows for dynamic and precise cost calculation of shipping in real time. 3PL operators can offer “load optimization as a service” to their own clients, powered by the Goodloading API.

3. Technology Partner: TMS, WMS, and ERP software providers

  • Main challenges: The software lacks an advanced loading planning module. Building such a module from scratch is resource-intensive, costly, and risky. This risk could involve losing customers to competitors offering more comprehensive solutions.
  • API Solution: The Goodloading API offers a ready-to-deploy, world-class plug-and-play loading planning module. By integrating the API, you can quickly enhance your product offering, add a significant new revenue stream (through the sale of an additional feature), and increase customer retention without significant R&D expenses.

4. Developers and System Integrators

  • Main challenges: The task of building custom logistics solutions under time pressure. The need for reliable, well-documented tools that are easy to use and effectively solve complex problems.
  • API Solution: The API is presented as a tool that saves hundreds or even thousands of hours of developer work. It is a RESTful API using a standard JSON format, which facilitates integration with any modern programming language. It abstracts from highly complex mathematical and physical issues, allowing the developer to focus on the business logic of their application.

Benefits of the Goodloading API

Direct cost savings:

  • Reduction in freight and fuel costs: By maximizing space utilization, the API ensures that fewer vehicles are needed to transport the same amount of goods, which directly reduces transportation and fuel costs. This is the primary and easiest-to-measure benefit.
  • Minimizing cargo damage: Optimal mass distribution, center of gravity calculations, and adherence to stacking rules prevent cargo from shifting or being crushed in transit. This results in fewer damage claims and lower insurance premiums.
  • Optimization of labor costs: Planning automation reduces the time spent on this task by up to 25%. Clear, visual loading plans reduce time and decrease the number of errors at the loading ramp, further optimizing work.

Operational acceleration and increased efficiency:

  • Elimination of manual planning: Transforming a process that takes hours into an operation that lasts seconds.
  • Automated data flow: Integration with TMS/ERP systems eliminates manual data transcription, which is a major source of errors and delays.
  • Improving physical operations: 3D animated plans provide clear instructions to warehouse workers, speeding up loading and unloading and reducing costly mistakes.
  • Faster quotes and bookings: For 3PL operators and carriers, the ability to instantly calculate loading requirements allows for quicker and more accurate presentation of offers to clients

Strategic Development:

  • Improving Customer Experience: E-commerce companies can offer real-time accurate shipping costs. 3PL operators can provide their clients with unparalleled transparency and value-added optimization services.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: The API generates a wealth of data about each shipment, which can be analyzed to optimize fleet composition, warehouse layout, and overall supply chain strategy.
  • Better Compliance with Regulations: The API’s ability to calculate axle load limits and other regulations helps companies avoid fines and penalties.
  • Measurable contribution to sustainable development: Using fewer vehicles directly translates to a lower carbon footprint, which is a key indicator for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting and brand image.

Technological advantage:

  • Speed and simplicity: A modern RESTful API with JSON data format is the industry standard, ensuring quick integration.
  • Focus on value: Frees up developer resources to focus on the core business application instead of reinventing the complex wheel of load planning.
  • Scalability and reliability: Using a proven, robust platform that handles complex computations ensures the solution is scalable and reliable from the start.
  • Flexibility: The API can be integrated with a wide range of applications, from backend server processes to client-facing web portals.

Do you have additional questions about integration with Goodloading? Contact us.