SIG improves customer experience and fleet productivity with Descartes’ Last Mile Solution suite

Descartes Systems Group announced that SIG plc, a leading European supplier of specialist building materials, is using its solution suite as part of its broader strategy to lead the market in the UK.

SIG UK has deployed Descartes’ comprehensive last-mile delivery solution suite including its route planning and execution solution, mobile electronic proof-of-delivery (ePOD) and telematics with remote download of tachograph data. The solution has enabled SIG to increase On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) deliveries by 10-15% and increased the volume of deliveries by 25% using the existing fleet.

“The building materials market is highly fluid and SIG differentiates itself by offering an agile and reliable service to our customers with the ability to track the progress of their deliveries to help better manage the supply chain,” said Edward Corbett, Head of Programme, SIG. “The Descartes solution helps us manage our distribution centres and territories more efficiently, with access to real-time information on how to organise and run our facilities optimally. Our improved responsiveness makes a huge difference to our customer service and efficient resource utilisation. It helps us maintain a safe working environment for our drivers and wider UK road-user community whilst also supporting our strategic ESG objectives.”

Descartes’ last mile delivery solution provides an end-to-end platform for home and last-mile delivery operations. The solution spans delivery appointment booking, route planning and execution, mobile electronic proof-of-delivery, delivery notifications and driver safety and compliance processes. Using advanced optimization technology, Descartes’ last mile delivery solution takes committed appointments and improves route productivity, which generates additional delivery capacity and reduces costs. The solution manages delivery execution with intelligent dispatching and GPS-based real-time vehicle tracking. The related mobile application helps drivers execute the route and capture essential POD details. Real-time alerts keep customers up-to-date with the progress of the delivery through text or email messages and engage the customer through surveys to provide a superior customer experience. Telematics integrated with remote download of tachograph data and related compliance management solution helps to improve driver performance and safety while meeting regulatory requirements.

“Specialist building material suppliers compete on service and we’re happy to help SIG maintain its leadership in this area,” said Pol Sweeney, VP Sales and Business Manager UK for Descartes. “With the severe driver shortage situation the market is facing, it’s equally important in helping SIG to dramatically improve the productivity of its existing fleet.”