Aptean Case Studies Automating Route Planning: A Case Study of Colorado Boxed Beef Company

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	Automating Route Planning: A Case Study of Colorado Boxed Beef Company Aptean

Automating Route Planning: A Case Study of Colorado Boxed Beef Company

Aptean

Technology Category	Functional Applications - Transportation Management Systems (TMS) Networks & Connectivity - 5G
Applicable Industries	Food & Beverage Transportation
Applicable Functions	Facility Management Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases	Last Mile Delivery Vehicle Telematics
Services	System Integration
Challenge	Colorado Boxed Beef Company (CBBC), a major distributor of refrigerated and frozen food products, was facing challenges in managing its delivery operations. The company was dealing with over 6,000 deliveries per week, using approximately 180 tractors and 220 drivers. The primary challenge was handling one-off requests from the sales department or customers for uniquely timed deliveries for the following day. These requests often required changes to the existing route plan to meet a very small time window. The company was also dealing with the evolving customer demands in the food industry, where customers expected products to be delivered in the shortest time after ordering, with better rates. They also demanded more frequent, proactive communication about delivery times. The company was struggling to meet these demands with its manual approach to delivery operations. Read More
About Customer	CBBC serves a wide variety of customers that operate a diverse range of businesses. Their customers include supermarkets, restaurants, cruise companies, military bases, and schools. The company's branded product lines include High River Angus beef and Diamond Reef seafood. Despite the diversity in their operations, most customers have similar expectations from CBBC. They expect timely deliveries, good service, and drivers who understand the product and are respectful to customers. They also appreciate proactive communication about delivery times and real-time tracking of delivery vehicles. Read More
Solution	CBBC implemented Paragon from Aptean's route planning software across its operations in July 2018 to increase efficiency. The software was later connected with CBBC’s telematics system, allowing real-time tracking of delivery vehicles across the network. This technology enabled the company to automate its delivery operations, drastically changing the way it worked. The automated route planning system allowed the company to work more efficiently with drivers, tractors, trailers, and all its resources. The company also introduced automated route execution software, which enabled them to track where the driver is and when they’ll arrive. This allowed the company to send out a message via email or other formats to let customers know when a delivery will arrive, ensuring the customer’s location can be staffed properly. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Transportation Management Systems (TMS)

Networks & Connectivity - 5G

Applicable Industries

Food & Beverage

Transportation

Applicable Functions

Facility Management

Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Last Mile Delivery

Vehicle Telematics

Services

System Integration

Challenge

Colorado Boxed Beef Company (CBBC), a major distributor of refrigerated and frozen food products, was facing challenges in managing its delivery operations. The company was dealing with over 6,000 deliveries per week, using approximately 180 tractors and 220 drivers. The primary challenge was handling one-off requests from the sales department or customers for uniquely timed deliveries for the following day. These requests often required changes to the existing route plan to meet a very small time window. The company was also dealing with the evolving customer demands in the food industry, where customers expected products to be delivered in the shortest time after ordering, with better rates. They also demanded more frequent, proactive communication about delivery times. The company was struggling to meet these demands with its manual approach to delivery operations.

About Customer

CBBC serves a wide variety of customers that operate a diverse range of businesses. Their customers include supermarkets, restaurants, cruise companies, military bases, and schools. The company's branded product lines include High River Angus beef and Diamond Reef seafood. Despite the diversity in their operations, most customers have similar expectations from CBBC. They expect timely deliveries, good service, and drivers who understand the product and are respectful to customers. They also appreciate proactive communication about delivery times and real-time tracking of delivery vehicles.

Solution

CBBC implemented Paragon from Aptean's route planning software across its operations in July 2018 to increase efficiency. The software was later connected with CBBC’s telematics system, allowing real-time tracking of delivery vehicles across the network. This technology enabled the company to automate its delivery operations, drastically changing the way it worked. The automated route planning system allowed the company to work more efficiently with drivers, tractors, trailers, and all its resources. The company also introduced automated route execution software, which enabled them to track where the driver is and when they’ll arrive. This allowed the company to send out a message via email or other formats to let customers know when a delivery will arrive, ensuring the customer’s location can be staffed properly.

Impact #1	The implementation of automated route planning and execution software had a monumental impact on CBBC's delivery operations. The company transitioned from a manual to a fully automated approach, which significantly increased their efficiency. The company reported a huge increase in customer satisfaction, with fewer complaints about delivery times and other factors. The automated system also made it easier for the company to handle one-off requests for uniquely timed deliveries. The company also reported that the transition to automated route planning was easier and more manageable than expected, with positive feedback from drivers and the customer service department. The company also anticipates that automation and technological advances will continue to improve transportation, warehousing, and distribution in the future.

Impact #1

The implementation of automated route planning and execution software had a monumental impact on CBBC's delivery operations. The company transitioned from a manual to a fully automated approach, which significantly increased their efficiency. The company reported a huge increase in customer satisfaction, with fewer complaints about delivery times and other factors. The automated system also made it easier for the company to handle one-off requests for uniquely timed deliveries. The company also reported that the transition to automated route planning was easier and more manageable than expected, with positive feedback from drivers and the customer service department. The company also anticipates that automation and technological advances will continue to improve transportation, warehousing, and distribution in the future.

Benefit #1	The company was able to manage over 6,000 deliveries per week more efficiently.
Benefit #2	The company expanded its geographic footprint and added 1,200 extra customers, all with the same amount of equipment and the same number of drivers.
Benefit #3	The company was able to handle 10 to 15 one-off requests for uniquely timed deliveries daily.

Benefit #1

The company was able to manage over 6,000 deliveries per week more efficiently.

Benefit #2

The company expanded its geographic footprint and added 1,200 extra customers, all with the same amount of equipment and the same number of drivers.

Benefit #3

The company was able to handle 10 to 15 one-off requests for uniquely timed deliveries daily.

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Overview

Automating Route Planning: A Case Study of Colorado Boxed Beef Company

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit