Previously, DHL Exel operated a system of fixed routes delivering chilled and ambient goods to 300 BP stores throughout England from its Lutterworth depot, supported by outbases at Belshill and the Golden Fleece Services at Junction 42 of the M6. By adopting Paragon’s flexible, automated solution, DHL Exel has been able to reduce its 61 routes to between 47 and 53 per day.
“We selected Paragon because of its unrivalled reputation as a provider of robust and reliable routing and scheduling technologies,” confirms transport manager, Lee Sylvester, who has more than ten years’ positive experience using Paragon’s route optimisation solutions.
“Savings have been both immediate and substantial,” he says, “with a significant reduction in fleet usage, manpower and fuel impacting positively on our carbon footprint. In addition, BP has been impressed with the improved service levels we have been able to achieve as a result of implementing Paragon’s route optimisation software.”
Not only is Paragon already delivering the savings anticipated but, adds Sylvester, “equally importantly, at an operational level both our planning team and drivers have complete confidence in the optimised routes the Paragon route optimisation software provides.”
‘One planning office’
As the business continues to grow, DHL Exel is also using Paragon as a strategic planning system, both for project management and in helping integrate new outbases and store locations into the operation.
“Paragon route optimisation software is ideally designed to enable both own account operators and 3PL companies such as DHL Exel with several depots to plan the routes centrally as a single planning task,” says Paragon marketing and business development director, Charles Nockold. “As a result, Paragon offers the opportunity to create one planning office that can become a centre of excellence serving an entire region.
“And, as DHL Exel has demonstrated, the ability to introduce regional or central planning in an operation in this way can lead to significant improvements in transport efficiency, environmental performance and customer service.”
