Pulling Out The Stops: Route Optimization

Solution

Leadership at this client organization recognized that where parts were being housed, and their unique movement patterns, had to be revised to raise the bar on operating performance. The FIDELITONE team collaborated with leaders of the client’s operations team to take a deep dive into the logistics of supplies routing and re-invent the process from end to end.

An in-depth analysis included a review of the how, when, and where of current systems against performance requirements. The team surveyed pick-up and delivery points with a focus on questions such as: Which stops are critical? Are any stops redundant? What routes are drivers using—and are these most efficient options? Where should supplies be positioned for the leanest possible process?

Route Optimization

The final solution established must-have service levels and generated a new process for maximizing both routes and assets. The team implemented map point software to optimize routes, as well as GPS and routing software to inform teams of best-fi t routing decisions. In addition, the team was able to identify critical stops, optimize selection of pick-up and delivery points, and eliminate redundant stops.

For efficiency, the team boosted the number of stops per route. The original 10 routes traveled by cargo vans and straight trucks were pared back to 6.5. This translated into fewer stops in all.

Utilizing route optimization meant supplying materials to locations faster, without sending technicians to multiple locations to gather supplies. Instead, some materials are delivered to technicians’ “home” garages, saving need-less trips. Best of all, the solution leverages efficiencies to require fewer FTEs.