ArrowXL has started implementing the first phase of a £3m (US$3.8m) digital transformation program which will see its IT systems upgraded or replaced in a move designed to support growth and further improve the customer experience. Other benefits will include the ability to support the increasing demand for next day delivery and shorter time windows.
The ambitious program includes the implementation of Paragon’s advanced transportation optimization solution that will fully automate and streamline planning processes for its collection and two-man home delivery operation. In addition to improving the efficiency of transportation planning, the Paragon solution will provide added visibility and control to ensure the highest levels of last-mile service delivery for two million orders every year on behalf of leading retailers and manufacturers.
“Our support and implementation team has worked closely with ArrowXL’s IT department to achieve an accelerated deployment within challenging timescales,” explained William Salter, managing director of Paragon Software Systems. “By taking a phased approach, the modular solution has gone live quickly, without operational disruption, so ArrowXL can provide immediate service improvements to customers in a very competitive marketplace.”
The company is also introducing a new warehouse management system, JDA Dispatcher, which will integrate its solutions across all hubs and outbases, resulting in increased efficiencies and faster redelivery times. It will also facilitate seamless integration with clients’ systems and support the industry-estimated 30% increase in returns expected over the next four years.
Finally, a new order management and billing system is being implemented which will promote flexibility and streamline the process for clients, enabling multiple services to be ordered on a single account. It will also make onboarding simple and fast.
Commenting on the digital transformation program, James Robbins, CIO at ArrowXL, said, “This program is designed to deliver a number of key benefits such as supporting our growth, enabling closer integration with our clients and meeting the increasing requirements of the end customer for convenience and choice. This investment will help us to be easy to do business with and to continue to deliver unrivalled levels of service within our shared user two-person delivery network.”
