As soon as Paragon Single Depot was implemented by Banbury-based Fine Lady Bakeries to rationalise its fixed route operation, the system’s re-scheduling cut both routes and vehicles.
Within months of being used to generate, monitor and adjust the routes created for the 60 daily trips to supermarkets, regional distribution centres and food service outlets, Paragon had also enabled better use of driver hours through improved multi-tripping.
The topicality of this issue – in view of the introduction of the Working Time Directive which will increase pressure on driver utilisation – has since prompted Fine Lady to use the Paragon routing and scheduling software to assess what other changes these new regulations may demand.
“While Paragon instantly identified route improvements that reduced our fleet by more than 10%, Easter provided additional proof of the system’s value. We usually have to hire additional tractor and trailer units to cope with the seasonal rush, but this year we didn’t need any.” Craig Gilkes, Logistics Manager, Fine Lady Bakeries
