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Barker and Stonehouse sitting pretty with logistics software

By Retail Technology | Wednesday February 13 2019

Furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse has invested in new logistics software to provide customers with better and more varied delivery service

It’s combining Paragon’s routing and scheduling software and fleXipod ePOD system, to enable it to efficiently fulfil increasing order volumes nationwide without compromising on customer service.


Having already invested in its warehouse and stores, the company decided that the next step was to improve its logistics operation. 

They evaluated several solutions, eventually selecting Paragon because of the functionality its logistics software offers and its proven experience in the furniture retail sector.
 
Shane Butler, retail director at Barker and Stonehouse, said: “Our fleet of 27 in-house vans operate on a nationwide basis – often travelling long distances – so removing inefficiencies and inconsistencies in our transport planning was essential.”
 
Barker and Stonehouse stores were previously responsible for planning deliveries using a fixed planning matrix that scheduled orders on certain days of the week based on rigid post code areas. 

Fleet resources 

When transport plans were complete, each driver would then create their individual daily routes. 

The company realised that not only were fleet resources being under-utilised, but also it had no central visibility of how the operation was performing. 

As a result, maximising both vehicles and drivers was a challenge.
 
With the adoption of Paragon’s routing and scheduling software, Barker and Stonehouse will increase delivery frequency, serving nearly 90% of postcodes nationwide on a daily basis, six days a week. 

This will allow the retailer to offer customers a wider choice of delivery time windows whether they are buying online or ordering in one of the company’s beautifully designed stores.
 
The customer experience will be further enhanced by frequent and accurate communications including notification of proposed time windows and delivery reminders. 

On the day of delivery itself, Barker and Stonehouse will be able to use fleXipod to send customers a link to the fleXipod track my driver service via email or text alert, allowing them to monitor the progress of their delivery driver.
 

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