Home Delivery

Home Delivery, also know as last mile delivery, has a range of complex issues that all need to be coordinated together. Descartes’ routing and scheduling and mobile applications for proof of delivery, driver notifications and route finding provide a comprehensive package of tools to simplify the whole process.

Descartes home delivery solutions integrate with all leading ERP systems and warehouse management solutions.

Our suite of home delivery solutions are internet-based SaaS solutions, enabling retailers to respond quickly and adapt to the fast-changing world in retail, connecting to the software via the internet from wherever they are based. The software can also be used on site, hosted by the customer.

Existing clients have increased their home delivery capacity by 35% without increasing the number of drivers or vehicles.

Optimising your van and HGV fleet operations with planning, scheduling and route mapping software will minimise costs through:

• Reducing the miles driven
• Decreasing fuel consumption
• Cutting vehicle servicing and maintenance.

Typically customers see an 8% to 20% reduction in delivery miles.

Potential advantages with Descartes solutions:

• Competitive retail advantage with home deliveries

  Having implemented the Routing and Scheduling solutions with continuous background optimisation leading retailers are able to gain a competitive advantage by offering short, timed delivery slots that can be chosen by the customer at the point of sale. The customer is then able to track their deliveries ‘Uber Style’ with GPS trackers in the delivery vehicles, to enhance the customer delivery experience.

  Retailers can offer incentivised delivery slots to group deliveries that are in the same proximity, to create denser delivery routes, reducing distances between deliveries and cost per delivery.

  66% of consumers will choose one retailer over another selling the same product due to the delivery options offered at the point of sale. (Metapack, 2015).

  Read more about incentivising delivery slots

• Delivery route scheduling & route density

  The important factor when dealing with home deliveries is to increase the density of the deliveries on the routes to maximimise the number of deliveries that are as close together in both time and location as possible. This can only be achieved to its fullest if the scheduling system is connected to the routing systems, validating the true logistics capacity in real time. This enables the ideal delivery slot to be presented to the next customer at the point of sale based on previous, existing orders, along with other known factors such as vehicle capacity and any additional required services such as installation. Consumers can be encouraged to pick slots that help achieve delivery density with differentiated pricing for the slots available to them.

• Continuous optimisation of home delivery routes

  Having a routing system connected to the scheduling system, that is continuously optimising deliveries and which can move deliveries within the schedule, even between days, if dedicated time slots have not been offered, is vital for achieving the highest delivery density.

  The Descartes route optimisation engine works with the latest information when calculating routes and allows for modifications even after the driver has left the depot.

  Read more about Planning Delivery Routes

• Mobile Apps for the driver

  A driver’s hand held device can host a number of mobile applications that can assist the driver with navigation, receiving messages, delivery consignments, proof of delivery, photographic evidence showing delivery location or any damages to the goods, plus the ability to notify the office of deliveries or damages. The driver’s location can also be tracked by the office so you know where your drivers are and what their status is or so the customer can track their location and know when their delivery should be arriving. This all helps to avoid missed deliveries through recipients not being in and offers an improved customer service.

  Read more about Mobile Applications.