The Problem
Hermes required a way of shifting the day to day management of the courier network back into the field, and to provide Field Management with visibility of the network structure.
Previously, courier rounds were manually created and updated using a desktop system by a central user - a time consuming process using hard copy maps which could not be manipulated and were soon out of date.
In addition, the system didn’t work to full unit postcode geography making it difficult to know territory make-up accurately.
Hermes also required a management information tool to optimize rounds, network plan and assess ‘what if?’ scenarios.
The Solution
Hermes opted for a Web-Based Mapping Solution which allows the creation, viewing, organisation and management of courier rounds.
Essentially, the system allows the 200 Field Managers to provide local, tactical input into the operational planning process, and provide the Hermes Operations team with the ability to assess ‘what if?’ scenarios.
Any proposed changes the Field Manager makes could then be approved by a central user in a few minutes.
"As the business continues to grow we have had to make significant changes to our network structure. The tool has been invaluable in this process and the ability to visualise and identify anomalies is great."
Graham Platt, M.I. Analyst
Developed specifically for Hermes, the system provided:
Viewing tool
For Field Management to visualise their territories and courier rounds.
Scenario Planning tool
To allow the Central Operations team to optimise and model wide-scale changes to the territory structure in order to identify efficiency gains.
Planning/Operations tool
For Field Management to make changes to their territory structure and submit these for approval.
The Benefits
Operational savings, cutting expenses and delivery costs
Proactive management of rounds for different scenarios
Provides holistic view of courier network
Reduced non-covered areas and increase first attempt deliveries
Improved efficiency
Avoid re-handling costs where postcodes are misallocated
Improved courier retention
100% of the network can be reviewed and updated multiple times
Reliance on human expertise eliminated
Network changes are automatically updated and reflected daily
.png)