Fuchs goes live with the Optrak vehicle routing solution for lubricants distribution

Optrak Distribution Software Limited, a leading supplier of vehicle routing software, announced today that Fuchs Lubricants (UK) plc, the UK subsidiary of the global lubricant manufacturer Fuchs Petrolub AG, has selected Optrak to provide vehicle routing, loading and scheduling software.

Richard Halhead, Managing Director explains why Fuchs invested in a modern routing and scheduling solution, "We were looking to improve efficiency, reduce the time spent planning and increase our vehicle utilisation. We carried out a detailed evaluation of the various vehicle routing solutions on the market. Optrak had the greatest experience in solving the complicated problems that we face in the oil and petroleum industry."

Fuchs has recently announced major investment in its Stoke-on-Trent plant with projects in manufacturing and capacity planning, satellite tracking together with routing and scheduling. These investments demonstrate the commitment of Fuchs to continually improving the quality of customer service.

Customers may order quantities of various grades of lubricants and the fleet of tankers can carry and pump off different grades at different rates. However, in order to avoid pump and compartment contamination there are a set of complex rules that must be strictly followed regarding which lubricants may be loaded into which compartment of the tanker and in which order.

Optrak is the established sector leader in providing routing and scheduling solutions to the oil and petroleum industry. Optrak can be quickly and easily customised - a key strength that is invaluable in enabling the unique distribution requirements for the petroleum industry to be accurately modelled for optimum performance.

Darren Bourne, Distribution Manager is also complimentary about support from the Optrak consultants during the installation and go live process, "I was surprised at how easy it was to customise Optrak to our own individual requirements. I was also very impressed with the knowledge and skill of the Optrak Consultants. I couldn't have asked for more in terms of their patience, support and overall professionalism."

Tim Pigden, Managing Director, Optrak, speaking about the ever expanding oil and petroleum client base said, "We have worked closely with major oil and petroleum companies for over ten years, we understand the industry and have developed specific functionality that doesn't exist in other competing solutions. We look forward to being part of Fuchs' investment in modernising their supply chain and helping them improve customer service and reduce costs."

Mr. Halhead concludes, "Optrak were the only company that could cope with the complex pump sequencing rules that we need to follow and they had an impressive oil and petroleum client base in production. It didn't take long to realise that they were the right choice for Fuchs."

Optrak is a proven vehicle routing solution for operational and strategic planning. It is used in a wide number of industries and clients typically see savings of up to 20% on transport and distribution costs.