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UniFirst Builds Better Routes, Better Safety, and Better Customer Relationships Utilizing Omnitracs Roadnet’s Vehicle Routing Platform
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Business Operation
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
Services
- System Integration
- Software Design & Engineering Services
The Challenge
Providing the best service and value to customers requires effective route and time management of UniFirst’s delivery fleet. The company needed to streamline its vehicle routing processes to coordinate laundering and processing of uniforms and textiles with timely deliveries. The older PC-based vehicle routing system prevented proposed routes from being easily shared between central planners and individual service locations, complicating collaboration and route optimization.
About The Customer
UniFirst is an industry leader in workwear and textile services, renting, leasing, and selling uniforms, protective clothing, corporate wear, and facility service products to over 240,000 business customers throughout North America. With a fleet of approximately 3,000 delivery vehicles, UniFirst operates across the United States and Canada, delivering image-enhancing uniforms and ancillary products to businesses of all sizes and industries. The company emphasizes building strong customer relationships and ensuring timely and efficient delivery services.
The Solution
To address the challenges, UniFirst implemented the Omnitracs Roadnet Transportation Suite of products across all its service areas nationwide in 2009. Roadnet is used for daily vehicle route planning and scheduling, while Territory Planner is used centrally to develop re-routes when new customers or acquisitions are incorporated. The server-based technology of Roadnet allows route plans to be easily viewed and shared, simplifying collaboration between central planners and individual service locations. MobileCast provides accurate validation of service times and geocodes, supporting the entire process. This implementation has made the 'back and forth' much easier and more productive, ensuring minimal changes once routes are implemented.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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