Chris Jones, EVP Industry & Services, Descartes Systems Group. in an exclusive interview with Freightcomms
1. Being that Atlantic Tire has expanded its warehousing and distribution centers in the last few years, how is Descartes planning to replace the traditional operating process into a technology driven process?
With operations in 8 different locations, Atlantic Tire provides wholesale tires to tire dealers, auto shops and vehicle owners throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. At each location, Atlantic traditionally relied on manual practices and tribal knowledge to deliver orders. Descartes route planning and execution solution generates an optimal delivery plan automatically. The execution part of the solution tracks delivery progress, reports exceptions and electronically captures proof-of-delivery information. The result will be better and more consistent delivery plans and execution and elimination of delivery paperwork.
2. With the help of cloud-based route optimization, how is Descartes working to reduce the complexities of the supply chain and distribution process?
Optimized route planning models the complexities of customer orders, the road network, delivery vehicles and driver requirements and selects the best combination of orders and sequence on routes to minimize cost and improve service. It addresses the complexities, allowing planners to focus on exceptions and continuous improvement opportunities.
3. How does automation using Descartes technology reduce costs and improve delivery frequency for Atlantic Tire?
Automation streamlines and accelerates the delivery process. From order to optimization to execution, automation eliminates the manual processes and steps that drive costs and slow down deliveries. For instance, automated planning produces optimized routes more quickly and can allow for more routes and deliveries in a day improving delivery frequency. Automation of the loading and delivery receipt processes using mobile delivery solutions allows for more accurate deliveries, less time at the distribution center and with the customer
4. What are your thoughts on the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the route optimization process?
There are a number of ways artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) benefit the route optimization process. AI-based configuration can take the guesswork out of the setup process and take advantage of the expertise built-in to deliver the best configuration. ML can improve the accuracy of the plan by adjusting key parameters like stop and travel times, determining the exact location of the customer and estimated-time-of-arrival. Even the impact of individual driver performance on route productivity can be determined. With more accurate and continual parameter tuning, routes better reflect actual performance and performance allowances can be potentially eliminated.
5. How does cloud-based route optimization reduce the turnaround time of the deliveries and help increase business and service offerings?
Cloud-based route optimization and execution provides real-time visibility of deliveries and vehicles in-transit. Knowing the location and status of a delivery vehicle that is going to make multiple trips in a day allows the distribution center to stage the next inbound vehicle’s deliveries at the right time, maximizing dock utilization and minimizing the time the vehicle spends at the dock. Providing that same information to customers allows them to see the status of their deliveries and better prioritize their work. The result is a better overall customer experience due to better customer productivity and the opportunity for more business based upon superior performance and information.
6. As Descartes Systems has been around the technology front for quite a long time, we would like to know your insights on disruption to the global supply chain and how Descartes is looking at adding value in this area?
This is a big question, but something we are addressing. We have put together research that is tracking why the global shipping crisis exists, how it is impacting imports and recommendations for short-, near- and long-term actions. You can learn more at The Global Shipping Crisis