The system itself is so basic and generic that it even basic functions that a proper DCS based system i.e amadeus or codeco can cope with, D Plan struggles with. Its simply cheap and nasty. You could train a 10 year old to use it very quickly, but thats because it removes the need for any load control /dispatch knowledge, and as a result you end up with with people using it who just see boxes on a screen that they can drag and drop, and are unaware of basic load control concepts
It simply isn't very good, or advanced. There is no in between options when using it, and no margins for adjustment.. just black or white and thats it!!
Not quite sure what problems you've had using it! I've never seen D plan struggle with anything yet! Only properly trained Load Controllers with Manual Loadsheet knowledge should be using it anyway!
I find it refreshingly straight-forward and given that your fleet a/c database has been set up correctly; it should ensure you have no problem using it at all.
It still needs an experienced Load Controller to use his knowledge to best advantage. ie. If you don't know where the locks are on the aircraft you deal with or have no knowledge of how many bags a certain hold can take you could come unstuck but, compared to Codeco it is light years ahead. I want to be able to see what happens visually when changing a trim and D plan does that very well.
I also disagree with the view that it is OK for Narrow body ops only. I believe it really excels at Wide body load planning. If I need to change a bin or pallet position I can do it in seconds without remembering a string of totally unobvious commands and then (moving the load etc etc. FF SS LS - oh !!!!! why can't I get a loadsheet! $$$ oh look it's out of trim etc etc.) DL31!
If you try and drag a ULD to a place that is unsuitable, overweight for position or would not fit; it won't allow you to do it.
So perfect result - All safe, and guides you to an optimum trim and very quickly too. I'd rather work with a tool that helps me rather than hinders me! So no delays then..
I guess it boils down to what systems you trained on first.. I trained using an old Dplan 16 system and even that seemed advanced compared to Codeco when I was forced to use it.
In fact Codeco was seen as downright dangerous by some of my colleagues at the time!
