Gist, the leading logistics service provider, is using Paragon software to plan and monitor its time-critical primary distribution operation.
With in excess of 300 vehicle movements per day collecting chilled and ambient product for onward delivery to RDCs for retailers such as M&S, Morrisons and ALDI, Gist needed a solution capable of providing it with reliable schedules, real time fleet visibility and a wide range of transport performance reporting capabilities. As a result Gist opted for Paragon’s routing and scheduling system, including the Route Execution module which provides the vital link between route scheduling and vehicle tracking for more effective transport management.
Gist is using Paragon’s routing and scheduling software to produce accurate route plans for its time-sensitive Spalding-based primary distribution operation making national deliveries to RDCs for retailers such as M&S, Morrisons and ALDI. Producing two schedules each day – one in the morning for same day delivery and one in the afternoon for next-day delivery – Gist has introduced Paragon’s Route Execution solution to bring much needed real time fleet visibility into the daily transport management process.
In this operation timing is key and Gist is responsible for on time delivery performance to its individual customers, the RDCs and the retailers. “If deliveries are late the impact is felt throughout the supply chain – from the RDC to the supermarket shelf,” comments Gist’s Lee Costen. “Paragon provides realistic route plans that help us ensure our deliveries arrive at the RDCs on time.” By enabling Paragon software to link with real-time tracking technology from Navman Wireless, Route Execution gives Gist the opportunity to improve real-time customer service and reduce the risk of late-running. Minute-by-minute visibility of how each of its vehicles is performing against the plan means Gist can deal with delays, re-schedule routes and keep customers informed.
“Paragon’s Route Execution software provides an early warning of any potential late deliveries caused by an unexpected delay so that corrective action can be taken to avoid missing delivery windows,” adds Lee Costen. “In addition, the reports the software generates are also helping us identify and rectify recurring problems and improve our future planning.”
“Route Execution brings three distinct elements to a transport operation: real time fleet visibility by tracking vehicles against the plan for the day; immediate notification of any problems such as delays or missed time windows; and a wide range of transport performance reporting capabilities,” comments Charles Nockold, Paragon’s Marketing and Business Development Director. “Paragon’s Route Execution is being used in conjunction with many of the UK’s leading tracking systems and an added benefit is that it can work with more than one tracking system at the same time – invaluable if you are using more than one tracking supplier or are bringing in spot hire vehicles that may have a factory fitted GPS unit provided by the vehicle manufacturer.”
