Using Paragon’ routing and scheduling software to allocate service engineer time windows has reduced TRACKER Network’s fuel bill by 22%. With 26 service management engineers responsible for 450,000 vehicle tracking and fleet management systems installed throughout the UK, Paragon’s automated planning and efficient time window allocation has resulted in faster more efficient scheduling, whilst maintaining high service levels and providing increased flexibility.
Previously reliant on a select team of planners, each using their geographical knowledge to schedule call-out requests, TRACKER introduced Paragon’s routing and scheduling software at its Uxbridge-based planning centre for the daily scheduling of its national operation of service engineers.
Interfaced directly with TRACKER’s own in-house order management system – SpeedSale – Paragon software plans a rolling seven-day schedule for each service engineer. When processing customer requests, the system works out several routing options before generating a list of available dates and time windows. These are then sorted by Paragon in increasing order of cost, depending on proximity to calls already logged in the part-built schedule. This enables planners to offer cost-effective booking options to the customer.
“The direct link between our service booking system and Paragon means we can avoid offering customer appointments that don’t fit efficiently with other visits already planned”, commented Denis Murphy, Operations Manager. “As a result of using Paragon-calculated time windows we have achieved a 22% reduction in fuel costs.”
In addition to the cost benefit of only booking service visits that are known to fit efficiently with other calls already committed, the introduction of Paragon’s routing and scheduling software has also provided several additional service improvements. Emergency call-outs can now be booked at any time and, if necessary, by employees outside the planning team; there is less reliance on the skills of individuals; and the daily planning process is much less fraught than previously – all of which are having a positive impact on TRACKER Network’s nationwide service operation.
“TRACKER Network is an excellent example of how using Paragon software to allocate customer time windows can result in significant cost savings”, comments Charles Nockold, Marketing and Business Development Director. “With wide reaching implications for the home delivery, service management, e-tail and other time window dependent industries, the Paragon routing system enables companies to offer better customer service without incurring huge additional transport costs.”
