PNE Improves Efficiency With Descartes' Cloud-Based Route Planning, Dispatch and Mobility Solution

WATERLOO, Ontario, Aug. 21, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that PNE Corporation (PNE), a leading distributor of propane cylinders across Canada, is improving efficiency with Descartes' cloud-based route planning, optimization and mobile solution.

PNE's propane exchange network serves over 2,000 retail locations with prefilled propane cylinders. To support and accelerate growth, PNE initially engaged Descartes in a consulting project to optimize master routes. Excellent results were achieved by balancing distribution territories and assets against growing customer requirements to improve service and overall margins. This success paved the way for PNE to extend its relationship with Descartes by implementing the Route Planner On-demand solution to better manage daily routing operations.

Operating as efficiently as possible while providing great service to our major retail clients like Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Rona, Lowe's, Petro-Canada, Esso, Loblaw Company Limited Grocery Stores and others is critical to our business, said Yann Baillargeon CA, Vice President of PNE. Descartes' approach and domain expertise helped to ensure we first had the right master routes in place, and now, a platform in place that empowers our dispatchers and drivers to best execute those plans and respond to changes required in the field throughout the day.

Part of Descartes' Routing, Mobile and Telematics suite, Route Planner On-demand is a cloud-based solution that enables customers to continuously build reliable routes using fewer trucks, miles and drivers. Combined with an integrated GPS-based mobile application, it enables PNE to optimally plan, dispatch and track the progress of the deliveries on those routes in real-time.

We're pleased that we've delivered results for PNE that have enabled them to modernize their distribution systems and operate more efficiently, said Edward Ryan, Chief Commercial Officer at Descartes.

The powerful combination of route planning and mobile applications helps logistics-intensive businesses like PNE understand plan versus actual delivery performance to help them improve service, increase productivity, and reduce the environmental impact of their distribution operations.

About PNE Corporation

PNE Corporation is Canada's leading BBQ propane distributor, delivering first-rate service and energy solutions, across the nation. For over 18 years, PNE has been serving the energy needs of Canadian homes and businesses nationwide. Through an unmatched dedication to providing the best service and energy solutions possible, for all consumers' needs, PNE has become Canada's leading propane distributor. PNE has created a niche market with its propane exchange program, allowing consumers to purchase quality propane gas through exchanging old tanks for refurbished ones. Though other propane distributors in the industry are following this trend, it was PNE who was successful taking it nationwide.

About Descartes

Descartes (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX) is a global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, performance and security of logistics-intensive businesses. Descartes' B2B network, the Global Logistics Network, integrates more than 35,000 trading partners to our cloud-based Logistics Technology Platform to unite their businesses in commerce.

Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, schedule, track and measure delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world's largest, collaborative multi-modal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com.