Sofology
Dynamic delivery route planning software is allowing Leekes – one of the UK's leading independent retailers – to automate its nationwide home delivery service.
"We are proud of our home delivery service and the feedback we receive tells us it is one of the reasons customers come back to us"
The history
Specialist sofa retailer Sofology chose to implement MaxOptra to help improve the visibility and flexibility of its delivery operation.
They selected MaxOptra as it was cost effective, compatible with Sofology's existing TomTom telematics solution, and allowed regional depot managers to customise and adapt routes as necessary.
Sofology is confident MaxOptra will deliver further benefits, including reduced operational costs and improved customer service levels.
They selected MaxOptra as it was cost effective, compatible with Sofology's existing TomTom telematics solution, and allowed regional depot managers to customise and adapt routes as necessary.
Sofology is confident MaxOptra will deliver further benefits, including reduced operational costs and improved customer service levels.
Challenges
Sofology (previously Sofaworks) has its headquarters in Greater Manchester and operates a fleet of more than 70 commercial vehicles from six distribution centres. Covering the whole of the UK, the Sofology distribution operation completes more than 500 deliveries daily, across a six-day operation, equating to more than 3,000 deliveries every week.
Prior to the implementation of MaxOptra, Sofology operated a centralised planning system which did not allow customisation of routes to take into account local knowledge or real time incidents. Working closely with their existing telematics provider, Communicate Better, Sofology evaluated a number of options, including a review of their existing solution.
Prior to the implementation of MaxOptra, Sofology operated a centralised planning system which did not allow customisation of routes to take into account local knowledge or real time incidents. Working closely with their existing telematics provider, Communicate Better, Sofology evaluated a number of options, including a review of their existing solution.
Solution
"We chose MaxOptra as it was very cost effective yet offered us the flexibility to increase and decrease our fleet as necessary to take into account seasonal fluctuations in service demand," commented Ian Millard, Group Transport Manager at Sofology.
"MaxOptra also allows us to easily share real time information using the 'track and trace' screen, giving other departments visibility of how each vehicle or team is performing."
"MaxOptra also allows us to easily share real time information using the 'track and trace' screen, giving other departments visibility of how each vehicle or team is performing."
MaxOptra is deployed at each of Sofology's regional depots and is used to schedule and route all deliveries. Seamlessly integrated with TomTom Telematics WEBFLEET , specific jobs or routes can be automatically allocated and dispatched to drivers according to a range of operational requirements.
"The support from MaxOptra from day one has been excellent," continued Millard. "Working alongside our implementation consultant, John Burgess, the training, minor system changes and ongoing service we have received has been first class."
"The support from MaxOptra from day one has been excellent," continued Millard. "Working alongside our implementation consultant, John Burgess, the training, minor system changes and ongoing service we have received has been first class."
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