VAI Hooks Into UPS Delivery Route Planning Software

Published: April 29, 2008

by Alex Woodie

VAI is tapping the route delivery expertise of UPS Logistics Technologies, a business unit of UPS, to help drive efficiency into the distribution activities of its ERP customers, the companies announced last week. The integration was accomplished by opening VAI's S2K software to UPS' tactical daily routing tool, called the Roadnet Transportation Suite.

With its fleet of 80,000 trucks that deliver more than 15 million packages a day, UPS is highly regarded for its logistics prowess. In 2004, the company squeezed even more efficiency from its global operations by using Roadnet to generate delivery routes that to minimize left turns in favor of right turns, which has saved millions of gallons of fuel and made the roads safer.

UPS further maximizes its investment by selling Roadnet through its UPS Logistics Technologies subsidiary. Roadnet uses advanced routing algorithms to generate custom delivery routes that allow customers to dial in their preferred balance between profitability and customer service. The software is currently used to route 130,000 vehicles every day at 3,100 installations worldwide.

Now VAI's S2K for Distribution customers can use the software, too, thanks to an optional integration that VAI announced last week. Customers that purchase the option can hook their i5/OS-based ERP system from VAI into UPS' Roadnet software to generate daily delivery routes.

Roadnet will allow VAI customers to optimize their delivery routes and save money, time, and fuel. Companies looking to go green can also tout a reduction in carbon dioxide as a result of the software. Compared to creating routes manually, Roadnet saves a considerable amount of time, UPS says.

"VAI is pleased to add Roadnet to our software line," says Kevin Beasley, VAI's chief information officer. "Roadnet will enhance S2K's unique capabilities, while offering our customers an integrated distribution planning and management solution."

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