WATERLOO, Ontario, Oct. 2, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX), a global on-demand software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics solutions provider, announced that Philadelphia-based convenience store chain Wawa, Inc. has improved its delivery operations and customer service with the deployment of Descartes AVL (Automated Vehicle Locator) Service for its direct distribution operations.
Wawa, a long-time Descartes Routing and Scheduling solution user, is leveraging Descartes AVL Service to efficiently reallocate drivers to other parts of its operations, increasing its capacity utilization to greater than 90% and reducing operating costs.
Descartes' Intelligent AVL provides a Web-based view of real-time information on delivery arrivals at distribution centers or hubs, enabling dispatchers to adapt routes quickly and efficiently according to exceptions. The AVL Service also features a wireless application that uses Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) locating capabilities to provide real-time data on driver progress against established route plans and enable on-the-spot decision making to meet customer commitments. Both are designed to work with Descartes Routing and Scheduling solutions.
"As a high-end convenience store and producer with a distribution network that spans five states, having up-to-the-minute information on driver and fleet activities is critical to maintaining high levels of customer service," said Don Kane, Distribution Manager at Wawa, Inc. "We've had so many years of success with Descartes Routing and Scheduling solution, that when we wanted to integrate AVL functions into our operations, Descartes was the natural choice."
By integrating AVL services with its existing Descartes Routing and Scheduling solution, Wawa has improved security, is better able to manage driver salaries and overtime, has more balanced routes and introduced the ability to compare planned versus actual truck locations. In addition, customer service representatives can now access the system to advise customers on the status of their deliveries.
"With a fleet of more than 225 trucks and trailers, it is a constant challenge for Wawa to have its time-sensitive deliveries make it to their destination on time," said Joanne Cochrane, Implementation Consultant at Descartes. "AVL and MobileLink Tracker enable Wawa to gain even greater insight into whether hourly-paid drivers are following planned routes and making the scheduled stops. Having this level of visibility empowers them to save significant costs relating to added miles and overtime hours, among other areas. It's an outstanding example of how our customers are building on their existing Descartes solution offerings to drive even more efficiencies and savings."
About Wawa, Inc.
Wawa, Inc., a privately held company, traces its roots back to 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. In 1964, the first Wawa Food Market was opened in Folsom, PA. Today the company operates more than 540 stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Wawa is known for its branded products including award-winning coffee and freshly prepared hoagies. Wawa consistently ranks among Forbes' top 200 privately held companies. "Wawa" is the Lenni-Lenape Indian word for flying goose.
About Descartes
Descartes (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX), a leading provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics solutions, is delivering results across the globe today for organizations that operate logistics-intensive businesses. Descartes' logistics management solutions combine a multi-modal network, the Descartes Global Logistics Network, with component-based 'nano' sized applications to provide messaging services between logistics trading partners, shipment management services to help manage third party carriers and private fleet management services for organizations of all sizes. These solutions and services help Descartes' customers reduce administrative costs, billing cycles, fleet size, contract carrier costs, and mileage driven and improve pick up and delivery reliability. Our hosted, transactional and packaged solutions deliver repeatable, measurable results and fast time-to-value. Descartes customers include an estimated 1,600 ground carriers and more than 90 airlines, 30 ocean carriers, 900 freight forwarders and third-party providers of logistics services, and hundreds of manufacturers, retailers, distributors, private fleet owners and regulatory agencies. The company has almost 300 employees and is based in Waterloo, Ontario, with operations in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Washington DC, Derby, London, Stockholm, Shanghai, Singapore and Melbourne. For more information, visit www.descartes.com.
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This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements") that relate to Descartes' solution offering and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.