Paragon’s new developments, innovations and commitment to its clients have ensured that the company experienced both new business growth during 2013, and also increased commitment from existing clients, some of whom have used Paragon routing and scheduling software for more than 20 years.
In 2013, Paragon celebrated its 30-year relationship with Morrisons (previously Presto and Liptons, which were rebranded as Safeway until acquired by Morrisons in 2004). Other customers using Paragon’s routing and scheduling software for 20 years or more include Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Argos, DHL, ForFarmers, Ceva, Laura Ashley and Silentnight. New UK customers joining the Paragon family in 2013 include Gregory Distribution, G Plan, Samworth Brothers and Fired Earth.
New developments during the year included the launch of a web portal exclusively for Paragon customers. Paragon also announced new interfaces for its unique Route Execution option, which enables seamless linking of routing and scheduling software to vehicle tracking systems, and access to real-time data for comparing the company’s transport plans with actual vehicle movements.
Paragon’s client conference held at the Heritage Motor Centre in May 2013 was well attended by transport professionals from all over the UK and Europe. As well as reporting on recent and planned system developments, there was also a “support surgery” where customers could quiz support team members on specific routing and scheduling software questions.
“The transport and logistics industry always needs to keep a lid on operating costs; even more so in times of economic uncertainty so it is great for us to see Paragon customers growing their businesses and making savings at this time,” says William Salter, Managing Director, Paragon Software Systems. “Using Paragon’s routing and scheduling software, AF Blakemore reduced its delivery miles by one million kilometres; The Times newspaper publisher, News UK, optimised its home delivery routes by 16%; and CitySprint increased daily deliveries for one particular customer from 800 to 1,200 whilst reducing costs by 14%.”
Away from client-facing work Paragon continues its support of Streetscape, the social enterprise that helps young people to find employment as landscape gardeners. When Paragon donated a second Ford Transit van to Streetscape in April 2013, the first batch of qualified Streetscape apprentices had all found employment, and the second group of apprentices were in place and receiving training.
In the US, Paragon won a significant number of new clients in 2013, and Paragon Software Systems Inc. continues to grow its customer base. And in China Paragon has successfully introduced two key initiatives – the implementation of simplified Chinese language into its software and street level mapping capability for the whole of mainland China. As a result, Paragon has already installed Paragon in Chinese with the China roadmap for three customers.
“Paragon remains focused on its commitment to developing and implementing solutions that support the changing needs of today’s transport operators,” concludes Salter. “Fleet operators have realised that effective use of routing and scheduling software not only improves efficiencies and service levels, but also provides a good return on investment by reducing costs.”
