BURLINGTON, Ont. — Lubricant distributor Noco Energy has implemented the Optrak vehicle routing system to improve efficiency, Canadian distributor kmKeystone Solutions announced.

The company says Noco has been able to reduce planning time, increase vehicle and compartment utilization and improve customer service, thanks to the technology.

Noco implemented the Optrak technology in December 2009 and rolled it out to four other warehouses within weeks, after quickly realizing benefits, kmKeystone says.

“We will reduce the number of vehicles and drivers that are needed to meet our delivery commitments by running more efficient routes and increasing vehicle and compartment utilization,” said Paul Melanson, operations manager with Noco Lubricants. “Noco has slashed the total time spent planning by seven hours per day. Substantial cost savings will also be made by cutting fleet mileage and reducing our fuel requirements which also minimizes our carbon footprint. I anticipate achieving a rapid return on our investment in Optrak. The project will enable us to improve customer service and generate sustainable competitive advantage.”

“Optrak’s routing software has been designed to manage the unique demands of the fuel and lubricants industry,” added Steven MacLennan, director of operations with kmKeystone. “The project at Noco demonstrates how companies that need to plan multi-compartmented vehicles or move away from milk rounds can make significant improvements to operational efficiency and cut distribution costs.”

More info is available at www.kmkeystone.com.