Paragon Software Systems has been selected by Harrods, the world’s most famous department store synonymous with quality service and merchandise, to streamline the planning and enhance the service of its home delivery operation.
By replacing manual transport planning with Paragon’s routing software, Harrods has been able to achieve faster planning and better vehicle use. At the same time, the addition of Route Execution has introduced the visibility vital to exemplary customer service.
Paragon’s routing software is used daily to route and schedule deliveries of fresh and ambient produce ordered at the renowned Knightsbridge store to customers within the M25 motorway. This accurate planning, underpinned by Street Level Mapping, will enable customers to be given a one-hour-wide delivery promise with confidence.
“During our recent summer sale peak, when delivery volumes increased by 150%, the Paragon software really proved itself,” confirms Ben Reardon, Dispatch Area Manager, Harrods. “The routing software has enabled us to handle many more deliveries using our own fleet and reduce the need for costly courier deliveries, which equates to a saving of 15% of our overall transport cost. We couldn’t be happier with the results.”
Paragon’s plans are automatically compared to real-time activity by its Route Execution software, which is linked by a standard off-the-shelf interface to Masternaut vehicle tracking technology. This provides real-time visibility of how the day’s delivery schedules are progressing and gives early warning of any issues, which can then be managed efficiently.
It also connects Paragon’s plans to Masternaut satellite navigation units, giving drivers the information they need to quickly locate delivery addresses. “Paragon enables us to make the best use of our vehicles and drivers, and provide a reliable delivery service to our customers,” says Ben Reardon, Dispatch Area Manager, Harrods.
“And, with the addition of Route Execution, seeing the transport plan in action gives us total control of both our transport performance and delivery service.”
“Harrods joins an impressive list of major retailers, including Laura Ashley, NEXT and Argos, who use Paragon software to provide a high quality home delivery service.” confirms Paragon marketing and business development director, Charles Nockold. “In particular, the introduction of Route Execution by clients such as Harrods provides transport management with an accurate, up-to-the-minute picture of transport and service performance. This enables companies to increase customer service levels, respond quickly and efficiently to problems that inevitably arise and ensure delivery schedules are legal and achievable. And, by identifying operational inefficiencies, planning parameters can be refined for continuous improvement.”
