Route optimisation to enable significant costs savings and rapid ROI

Optrak Distribution Software Ltd today announced that Filshill, the Scottish convenience wholesale distributor, has selected Optrak’s vehicle routing software for daily optimisation of route planning.  The project will enable Filshill to make significant cost savings and it is anticipated that return on investment (ROI) will be achieved within weeks. 

Robin Spalding, Transport Manager at Filshill explained, “We estimate that we can potentially cut our vehicle fleet by as much as 10%.  The projected benefits from Optrak far exceed our original expectations of what a vehicle routing system could deliver.  In addition to a reduction in driver’s hours, we will make a large fuel saving contributing to a rapid return on our investment.  The service that we have received since we started the project has been superb and I would have no hesitation in recommending Optrak to other foodservice companies.”

Filshill operates a fleet of 30 vehicles that deliver to a range of convenience and retail outlets.  Routes were planned manually but Filshill recognised that investing in a modern vehicle routing system could help its planner do their job more effectively thus increasing operational efficiency.

As part of a detailed evaluation, Filshill gave prospective suppliers a real sample of their planning data.  Optrak was able to show how the same orders could be delivered using fewer vehicles and driver shifts by optimising the routes and the way in which the vehicles are loaded using Optrak’s unique “load builder” functionality.  This made the business case for proceeding with Optrak relatively straightforward.

Spalding said, “We looked at a number of suppliers but Optrak’s expertise and knowledge of the foodservice industry set them apart.  They proved how we could make significant savings on our distribution costs and gave us confidence that they would work closely with us to implement industry best practice in routing and scheduling.   We also felt that Optrak’s routing software could adapt to how we want to operate, not the other way around and overall we were convinced they were the right partner to take us forward.”

Every day, order and customer information will be downloaded from the Sanderson Swords system into Optrak.  The planner will use Optrak to optimise the routes to achieve the best customer service for all deliveries whilst minimising distribution costs for Filshill’s outbases and main depot.  Once the results are uploaded into Swords the pick lists can be generated.

Simon Hannah, Company Director said, “The vehicle routing project has involved hard work and close cooperation between our talented transport and IT departments.  With support from the Optrak implementation team, Filshill are implementing a modern and efficient transport and distribution planning system which will enable the company to provide it’s customers with an improved and sustainable service.”

Filshill will also use Optrak for strategic distribution planning.  This will enable them to analyse the potential impact of making any changes to their distribution such as changing the fleet mix, service level agreements or introducing different time windows.

Tim Pigden, Managing Director of Optrak concluded, “Foodservice companies operate in a highly competitive industry and a high level of customer service is a key differentiator.  By investing in a specialist vehicle routing system Filshill will benefit from faster, more accurate planning and the potential exists for substantial cost savings to be achieved.”