Asda optimizes distribution

Walmart's U.K. chain, Asda, is optimizing its distribution operations by incorporatingIsotrak vehicle-tracking, along with Paragon routing and scheduling software.

The new system has enabled Asda to implement a new regional distribution structure.

With the system, Asda said it has been able to improve delivery services to itsstores, make better use of driver resources, ensure route compliance andreduce operational costs.

“Asda transportation has been completely transformed to provide newefficiencies across the board. TTS has enabled this and is providing significantimprovements in the way we plan and manage our resources and in how we planmore than 18,000 store deliveries a week using our 900 strong fleet. Theresults of this business change are on-time delivery improvements to thestores, optimization of our driver and vehicle resources and greater routecompliance, which is also reducing mileage, fuel costs and emissions,” saidChris Hall, national transport manager for Asda.

“We have moved away from individual planning for each distribution centerand have created seven planning regions across the United Kingdom that provide a cleardifferentiation between regional planning to maximize geographicalresources and local execution for compliance to plan and accountability for storeservice. There are 21 DCs within the regions – two in Scotland, three in theNorth East, four in the North West, three in Yorkshire, four in theMidlands, three in the South West and two serving the South East. It is true tosay that this would be impossible to do without an effective system andprocess.”