Aptean, a global provider of mission-critical enterprise software solutions, has announced that the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is now leveraging its advanced routing and scheduling software to identify transport-related productivity improvements and efficiency savings. The RNLI utilises the solution to effectively optimise fleet distribution capabilities that deliver to over 270 sites in coastal towns and cities across the UK and Ireland.

The RNLI is dedicated to saving lives at sea around the coasts of the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, as well as some inland waterways. The charity organisation operates a fleet of 15-ton rigid trucks that are responsible for distributing merchandise to the charity’s retail shops and kiosks, as well as parts and equipment to its nationwide network of lifeboat stations. The fleet also handles transport requirements for three RNLI factories—situated in Dorset, Wales and the Isle of Wight—that build and refit inflatable and all-weather lifeboats and amphibious tractors.

“We needed a strategic modelling tool that would enable us to analyse our distribution operations and understand where potential enhancements exist. Paragon Routing and Scheduling from Aptean enables us to fine-tune our fixed routes, better handle seasonal transport variations and target over a 10% reduction in our transport costs,” explained Senior Category Manager at RNLI, Nick Saunders. “We are hugely grateful for all the help, support and operational enhancements we have received from Aptean.”

Saunders continued, “Not only can we now model different distribution scenarios to ensure we are operating the most optimum plans—with weekly deliveries that reduce during the winter months—we can now assess our depot strategies, fleet make-up and any under-utilisation of resources. Moving forward, we will explore leveraging the software for day-to-day planning, switching from fixed to dynamic delivery routes that better cope with fluctuations in cargo volumes.”