Paragon optimises Nissan automotive parts delivery

Fergusons Transport has revolutionised the planning of its automotive logistics services for car builder Nissan with advanced routing and scheduling software from Paragon Software Systems. The Paragon system produces optimised routes and schedules in minutes, replacing time consuming manual planning that took weeks to complete.

"Paragon was a natural choice for Fergusons Transport. Nissan's logistics partners favour the software and it came highly recommended. I am over the moon with the software. It saves us so much time by delivering the information we need in minutes - no more weeks and weeks of poring over spreadsheets. We can quickly run the plan, assign the routes to the drivers and get on with the business of Nissan's logistics," says George Mallaby, the Fergusons Group IT Support Controller.

Fergusons Transport currently runs Paragon on a dedicated platform. It will move the software onto a Citrix Server soon, enabling centralised management of the dedicated Nissan transport operation.

Running a combination of "production" and "service" routes, Fergusons Transport is maximising truckloads and making better use of its available driver time. The software enables the company to react quickly to fluctuations in Nissan's manufacturing cycle, adjusting the plan to meet varying demands for parts. George Mallaby notes that Paragon is fast, powerful and user-friendly enough to enable the company to move to daily planning should Nissan ever require it.

"Not only have we been able to optimise our routes and schedules, we are also more flexible. The software provides instant answers to any ‘what if' situations, enabling us to be ready to meet any changes in Nissan's requirements. This is important as the car industry is a volatile marketplace and we have to be ready to react to changes in demand," he says.

Fergusons Transport has been working in partnership with Nissan for nearly 20 years, collecting and delivering product from its suppliers. Operating in the North East since 1926, the company has strategically located depots and warehousing facilities near to major cities. It has a vast portfolio of customers, including local, national and international companies from all sectors of industry, a few of which have been customers since Fergusons Transport began its business. The company is BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Accredited and is a member of the UK Warehouse Association and Road Haulage Association.

Paragon Software Systems

Jane Geary

Source: http://warehousenews.co.uk/