IN-STORE DELIVERY SERVICE PLANNING

A key element of the customer delivery service is the ability to offer a flexible service whilst maintaining the control and cost of an optimised delivery operation.

Geoplan has extensive experience of the processes involved with the home delivery function and consequently Geoplan has been above to develop systems that provide significant benefit.

Example: Leading UK & European Home Improvement and Garden Centre Retailer.

Problem: With ahome delivery service operating out of more than 300 UK stores, the client needed a solution to empower its in-store operators to allocate customer deliveries to the right vehicle without having to think about vehicle capacity or location.

Benefits:

• Tailor-made interface which would link the booking system to map views and is fed by existing data.
• Would enable in-store operator to assign deliveries and optimise 'on the fly'.
• Would provide the ability to select based upon particular variables, such as vehicle type.
• Web-based solution, easy deployment and access.
• Would provide the ability to route schedule and provide delivery drivers with directions via satellite navigation systems.

Product Used: On-line Delivery Planning Tool

Investment: In the region of £50K plus relevant data licensing cost (based on number of users).

Geoplan also provide the client with hard-copy wall Maps for use within their stores. The maps are displayed beside the in-store delivery hubs and provide a visual representation of the total coverage of the store's delivery service by Postcode Sector.

The maps are:

• Built to a bespoke coverage for each individual store
• A quick and easy reference that enables the customer and staff to see if a delivery is within the store's catchment area.
• Built using industry standard maps - Ordnance Survey map base with Geoplan Postcode boundaries and a laminate finish.