# **Java Enhances Service Performance and Lowers Costs with Automated Route Planning**

JAVA is a food distributor and wholesale dealer that distributes about 39,000 tons of food every year to private and public kitchens in Belgium. JAVA is number 2 in the foodservice industry in Belgium and manages a product line of 10,000 customers, providing a high degree of quality service. With more than 200 people, 47 of which are drivers, JAVA realizes a turnover of 75 million Euros each year.

## **The Challenge:** To Improve Service Delivery and Reduce Costs

The Belgium government mandated that all food distribution processes be traceable. To meet the legislation, Java had to implement automated production and distribution processes. This automation, and JAVA’s focus to improve customer service drove the implementation of a new route planning solution.

## **The Solution:** Automate and Optimize JAVA’s Distribution Plan

Amongst all solutions considered by JAVA, Descartes’ [route planning solution](/content/solutions/routing-mobile-and-telematics/route-planning-and-optimization/index.html) best suited the specific needs of the food distribution organization, including multi-temperature compartment management, regionalized vehicles, and automated geocoding.

Descartes route planning solution leverages advanced planning and optimization technologies and was designed to be an interactive tool for route planners. The solution optimizes and streamlines the daily planning process, improves customer service and minimizes transportation costs and helps distribution companies better understand and distribution operations.

#### **INDUSTRY WHITE PAPER**

#### Strategic Route Planning: A Blueprint for Profitability

Planning master routes manually is a very complex and time-consuming undertaking. As a result, re-planning of routes does not happen as often as it should, compromising efficiency and customer service. Download the eBook to learn how your company can benefit.

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JAVA had a number of important distribution parameters and considerations, including: time windows for delivery, accessibility at client (to determine the optimal vehicle type), fresh and frozen compartments, working time and legal breaks, automatic geocoding, vehicle fill, computation of unloading times and territory assignment. Integration with the internal ERP system was critical to automate the planning process.

Comparative tests demonstrated that the [Descartes](/content/solutions/routing-mobile-and-telematics/index.html) route planning solution provided superior results in terms of distance reduction, working hours and vehicle reduction, compliance with client-specific delivery constraints such as time windows and unloading restrictions. Daily analysis of the optimized delivery plan results helped measure the productivity and customer service improvements.

## **The Results:** After 6 Months of Use, the Results Were in

Despite the growth of their distribution business, the number of kilometers drastically decreased and there was a reduction in the number of vehicles needed. But the most important result is a spectacular increase in customer service quality, approaching 100% compliance with committed service levels.

### **Download the Success Story**

#### JAVA
[Download Now](/content/content/resources/2020-08/cs_java.pdf)

## **Fleet Resource Center**
### Expand Your Fleet Performance Management Knowledge
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Fleet Innovation Resource Center

Innovation has been central to the evolution of Descartes’ fleet performance management solutions. Never before has there been a convergence of so many technological advancements available to accelerate their transformation.

Food & Beverage Resource Center

Learn how route optimization can help you transform your food and beverage distribution operations so that you can fulfill the demanding needs of the modern world.

Schweppes Leverages Advanced Route Planning and Route Optimization Technologies

With a seasonal peak in the summer months, Schweppes consistently commits to deliveries within 48 hours. As soon as an order is put into the system, data is imported into Descartes route planning software, which then optimizes planning and delivery needs for the day.

[Read More about Schweppes Leverages Advanced Route Planning and Route Optimization Technologies](/content/resources/knowledge-center/schweppes-leverages-advanced-route-planning-route-optimization-technologies/index.html)