Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 49 | Page 7

NEWS AKI Group utilises routing and scheduling software from Paragon its vehicles and drivers that operate across the UAE. By increasing average deliveries per vehicle by 164%, the AKI Group has been able to lower the average cost per delivery by 65% and reduce fleet size by 38%. “Changes in the economy of the UAE are forcing supply chain operations in the region to get more focused on cost savings and improved productivity,” said Gary Grindlay, Group Head of Logistics at the AKI Group. “We are bringing together the best technology solutions available to address these challenges, with Paragon’s routing and scheduling software now a crucial part of our commitment to operational excellence.” T The AKI Group processes around 25,000 orders a month, typically equating to 12,500 deliveries each month to up to 5,500 customer sites across the UAE. The company recognised that manually planning such a large multi-drop delivery operation was resulting in inefficiencies, so selected Paragon’s routing and scheduling software to enhance the performance. The company has improved productivity and reduced costs since investing in the transport planning solution by better managing The solution also includes Street Level Mapping and Average Road Speed Data to achieve higher levels of route accuracy, as well as Route Execution to provide real-time visibility of the operation. he AKI Group (Al Khayyat Investments) has achieved annual savings of more than US$1 million by using Paragon’s routing and scheduling software to transform its in-house transport operation. ///////////////// FedEx SameDay Bot to be trialed in Dubai F edEx Express is set to trial the door-to- door delivery device Roxo in Dubai. Roxo is designed to travel on sidewalks and along roadsides, safely delivering smaller shipments to customers’ homes and businesses. Its features include pedestrian- safe technology from the iBot, plus advanced technology such as LiDAR and multiple cameras, allowing the zero-emission, battery- powered bot to be aware of its surroundings. These features are coupled with Machine Learning algorithms to detect and avoid obstacles, plot a safe path and allow the bot to follow road and safety rules. Proprietary technology makes it highly capable, allowing it to navigate unpaved surfaces, curbs and to even climb some steps as it completes door-to-door deliveries. “Roxo is currently testing in the U.S. and will play a new role in the last-mile delivery market, one that is not currently www.intelligentcio.com addressed by any other automated service or technology. Feedback from customers will ensure that real-use conditions are taken into consideration as early as possible during the on-going development of Roxo’s capabilities,” said James R. Muhs, Regional President for FedEx Express in the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa. It is anticipated that in the future, Dubai will join test cities in the US including Memphis, Manchester, Plano and Frisco. INTELLIGENTCIO 7