Paragon's Route Planning Software Helps Transportation Operations Harness Electronic Log Data

DALLAS, TX - April 27, 2017 - Paragon Software Systems, Inc.,? a leader in vehicle routing and scheduling optimization solutions, announces it can help transportation planners harness data gathered to comply with the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate to drive greater operational efficiency. Reporting functionality available in Paragon's route planning software can be used to analyze data, including Hours of Service (HoS) information, truck utilization and on-time delivery performance, to identify areas for improvement which will help transportation operations plan more effectively and counter feared productivity losses arising from compliance with the rule.

"Many transport operations across the US have been reluctant to have electronic logs installed in truck cabs because of the investment required, but also because of the feared drop in capacity and productivity," said William Salter, CEO and President of Paragon Software Systems. "In fact, we are already talking to a number of our customers about how they can use the data captured to refine their transportation plans and make better use of the available driver resources. The reporting functionality in our route planning software is tremendously beneficial to transportation managers trying to find new ways of keeping costs low while meeting customer service levels and regulatory requirements."

The ELD mandate requires operators to install devices in their trucks by December 16, 2017 to record HoS duty, driving or rest time, for easier, more accurate HoS reporting. The logging devices can also record a wide range of data points such as date, time, location information, ignition events, engine hours, vehicle miles, speeding, harsh braking and idling. With the reporting functionality available in Paragon's route planning software, planners can use the data collected in many different ways including:

• Using actual hours worked each day by driver to ensure shifts allocated for the remainder of the week are not in jeopardy of exceeding HoS regulations
• Using accurate behavior data to conduct real-time driver debriefings at the end of each shift to help lower fuel costs as well as keep drivers and freight safe
• Recording historical truck usage to improve utilization of expensive assets
• Analyzing actual time taken for deliveries to identify any regular delays at customer sites that can be reduced

Paragon's route planning software interfaces with a wide range of vehicle tracking and ELD systems via the Paragon Route Execution module. This allows customers the freedom to choose their preferred electronic log vendor, or multiple log vendors if more than one type of device is used across the operation. It manages transportation plans in real-time, allowing transportation managers to see where trucks are on the road and how the day's plan is progressing at any given time. By integrating with vehicle tracking systems, Route Execution can alert management to any vehicles that are running late or early so that they can make timely alternative arrangements, such as diverting another nearby vehicle to make a scheduled pickup or contacting the customer to inform them of late running. Paragon's route planning software can also help planners create more precise truck distribution routes, which will help operators more easily comply with the HoS regulations.

About Paragon Software Systems

Paragon Software Systems, Inc., based in Dallas, Texas, is a leading provider of truck routing and scheduling software solutions. Paragon's advanced planning systems have been proven to cut transportation costs and improve efficiency across a wide range of distribution operation types and industry sectors.? Paragon's North American truck routing software? clients include George's Inc., AgReliant Genetics, Linde, McLane, National Food Corporation, and many others. The software is used for the? daily route optimization? of transportation schedules; rationalizing fixed routes; managing transportation resources;? strategic logistics planning; and managing home delivery orders with dynamic routing. Paragon Software Systems, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Paragon Software Systems plc, the UK's number one provider of transportation routing and scheduling software. Paragon has over 3,400 systems installed at more than 1,100 client sites in 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit paragontruckrouting.com.

More Info: http://www.paragontruckrouting.com