Major UK upholstery manufacturer G Plan has bought a combined route optimisation and fleet management solution from Paragon Software Systems to optimise its store delivery operation.
G Plan’s new system is extensive and combines Paragon’s route optimisation software, its Route Execution module which links route planning with TomTom vehicle tracking, average road speed data, and HERE Map Content with bridge height data. This is a major step forward in transport planning for G Plan and replaces a manually planned system with a joined up, integrated, routing and tracking solution.
G Plan will use the Paragon fleet management solution to route its entire fleet, which is used to make up to 270 deliveries a week to its national network of 400 independent retailers and large chain store partners. The vehicles operate from G Plan’s base in Melksham, Wiltshire. With the integration of live vehicle tracking, the company will be able to compare actual delivery performance against the plan and amend it as necessary. The system will also provide customer service benefits, enabling text messages to be sent to stores to provide delivery ETAs.
“We practice continuous improvement at G Plan and that includes our transport and delivery operations. The new integrated Paragon system will enable us to modernise our delivery routing. With 400 outlets across the UK in all kinds of locations, in and out of town, we needed a system that could cope with our diverse customer base. Our priority is delivering orders when we say we are going to and that could potentially mean delivering to all 400 stores in one week. Paragon was recommended to us as a system that could achieve that,” says Steve Bruce, Operations Director, G Plan.
“The fleet management system will provide much better information for our customers and we’ll be able to interact with our drivers. The integration with real-time vehicle tracking will show us precisely where they are in relation to the plan and our customers. This will improve fleet operational efficiencies and importantly the system provides the flexibility to grow with the business as our needs change.”
G Plan is an iconic British brand that has set the tone for British furniture making. The company continues to grow and develop and is one of the UK’s biggest upholstery manufacturers. All G Plan sofas and armchairs are crafted in the UK by skilled workers who use the best raw materials to create upholstery that will stand the test of time. The company goes to great lengths to source the best fabrics, including premium leathers, and each piece of furniture is designed ergonomically for maximum comfort and support.
