Paragon Software Systems has upgraded its route optimisation software for logistics companies and supermarket fleet operators.
The scheduling and routing software specialist has enhanced the geographic clustering and workload balancing capabilities of its multi-period planner module so that multiple frequency deliveries can be made more efficient.
The aim behind these latest enhancements is to help operators to reduce costs by smoothing workloads across their fleets while adhering to service constraints.
“The software’s optimisation algorithm has been significantly improved to allow better planning for multi-frequency deliveries using customer locations, quantities and service requirements,” said Phil Ingham, support director at Paragon. “These improvements also take into account road networks and travel times. Our users will benefit from reduced transportation costs, improved driver-productivity and reduced overall mileage as a result of more efficient planning.”
Routes and schedules can now be planned and automated for up to six weeks. Within a given period, different customers often require different delivery profiles, which could be daily, several times a week or monthly. The software also caters for fixed and variable delivery patterns. Paragon handles this need differently by looking at the locations, the delivery requirements and the delivery capability of the fleet throughout the whole period.
“These enhancements make it easier to manage varying delivery requirements and balance vehicle usage enabling fleet operators to manage their deliveries better,” said Ingham. “They no longer have to be concerned over how they can get to a certain customer every day, others three times a week and others four or five times a month. Customers get improved service, while delivery companies benefit from reduced operating costs through optimised routes and use of their fleets.”