Transport Management Software Built For Day-To-Day Flexibility
Case Study - Parts Plus
Transforming Multi-Drop Parts Distribution Through Digital Innovation
Overview
SDS Plus, a Crown SDS product, partnered with Parts Plus, an independent automotive parts network in the UK, to digitally transform its multi-drop delivery operation.
The objective was to replace a fully paper-based system with a scalable, technology-led platform that could improve visibility, efficiency and operational control across a high-volume, time-critical logistics environment.
The result is a fully digitised delivery network that delivers measurable improvements in fleet efficiency, delivery accuracy, customer experience and operational performance.
The Challenge
Parts Plus operates a fast-paced, nationwide parts distribution network supplying garages, motor factors and body shops. Deliveries are time-critical, often supporting same day vehicle repairs where delays directly impact customers’ ability to complete work. Every depot is different, every depot has different SLAs, customer expectations, wave structure.
Prior to SDS Plus, the operation faced several challenges:
Paper-based, fixed route planning based on data rather than day-to-day and delivery processes
No real-time visibility once vehicles left the depot
Heavy reliance on phone calls for ETA updates
Inconsistent proof of delivery
Manual handling of returns, particularly unplanned returns
High administrative burden on depot and sales teams
Sales teams were frequently acting as ETA contact points rather than focusing on revenue-generating activity, while operations teams lacked the tools to optimise fleet usage effectively.
Parts Plus required a solution that would modernise operations without disrupting service levels.
The Solution
SDS Plus introduced a purpose-built, end-to-end digital platform designed specifically for van-based multi-drop logistics.
Key Features
- Dynamic route optimisation aligned to real-world constraints – Live customer demands (day to day/ wave to wave)
- Driver mobile app for real-time job management
- Electronic proof of delivery including barcode scan, signature and photo
- Live ETA tracking and customer visibility
- Pre-emptive exception management to identify risk before failure
- Digital capture of planned and unplanned returns
Designed for Operational Reality
Unlike traditional systems adapted from parcel or HGV logistics, SDS Plus was developed inside a live 4,430+ vehicle operation and refined over 2.5 years before external deployment.
This ensured the platform reflects the realities of:
High drop density routes
Frequent delivery exceptions
Changing road conditions
Time-critical delivery windows
Drop by drop flexibility
Variable stop times
Variable vehicle sizes
Last minute route edits
Phased Deployment
A structured rollout approach ensured minimal disruption:
Controlled onboarding and training
Easy driver adoption, i.e. how easy the UI is
Scaled deployment across depots
Activation of optimisation once stable
This allowed Parts Plus to adopt the system confidently while maintaining operational continuity.
The Results
The impact of the SDS Plus implementation has been significant and measurable across live sites, including Tamworth and Normanton.
Operational Efficiency
Operational Efficiency
- Reduction in fleet size while maintaining delivery volume
- Improved routing efficiency through dynamic optimisation increasing efficiency by 30%
- Better utilisation of available vehicles with forced van-count routing
- Driver behaviour correction
- Real time ETA updates to clients
Digital Compliance and Accuracy
Cool Headline
- 100% electronic proof of delivery on every drop
- Full traceability through time and geo-stamped records
- Elimination of mis-deliveries through barcode scanning
- End-to-end return management
- Standardised delivery confirmations
Reduced Operational Issues
Cool Headline
- Approximately 90% reduction in damage claims
- Zero unresolved delivery or returns disputes
- Strong deterrent effect from photographic evidence
Productivity Gains
Cool Headline
- Approximately 15 percent of sales team time recovered
- Reduced inbound calls for delivery updates
- Increased focus on revenue-generating activity
Operational Efficiency
Operational Efficiency
- Reduction in fleet size while maintaining delivery volume
- Improved routing efficiency through dynamic optimisation increasing efficiency by 30%
- Better utilisation of available vehicles with forced van-count routing
- Driver behaviour correction
- Real time ETA updates to clients
Digital Compliance and Accuracy
Digital Compliance and Accuracy
- 100% electronic proof of delivery on every drop
- Full traceability through time and geo-stamped records
- Elimination of mis-deliveries through barcode scanning
- End-to-end return management
- Standardised delivery confirmations
Reduced Operational Issues
Reduced Operational Issues
- Approximately 90% reduction in damage claims
- Zero unresolved delivery or returns disputes
- Strong deterrent effect from photographic evidence
Productivity Gains
Productivity Gains
- Approximately 15 percent of sales team time recovered
- Reduced inbound calls for delivery updates
- Increased focus on revenue-generating activity
Customer Impact
The transformation has delivered a significantly improved experience for Parts Plus customers.
Before SDS Plus
- Customers needed to call depots for delivery updates
- Limited or no delivery evidence
- Occasional delivery errors
- Slow and manual returns processes
After SDS Plus
- Real-time visibility of delivery ETAs
- Full delivery proof including photo, signature and barcode scan
- Elimination of mis-deliveries
- Streamlined and transparent returns handling
The result is a shift from reactive communication to proactive visibility.
‘A great system with true innovation – our drivers and operators both find it easy to use.’
Thomas Jongwe
Parts Plus Control Manager
Collaboration
A key differentiator of this project is the depth of collaboration between SDS Plus and Parts Plus.
Co-Development Approach
The system continues to evolve through live operational feedback, with new features developed in direct response to user needs.
Examples include:
- Driver-led route reordering to reflect real road conditions
- Unplanned returns capture for doorstep collections
- Forced van-count routing to align planning with actual fleet availability
Continuous Engagement
- Daily operational communication between teams
- Weekly structured reviews
- Direct input from depot managers and drivers
Rapid Improvement Cycle
Enhancements are delivered quickly, with an average of 11 days from customer request to deployment.
This ensures the platform remains aligned to real operational requirements and continues to deliver value.
Why It Matters
This project demonstrates that digital transformation in logistics is most effective when software is built around real operational needs.
SDS Plus has not simply digitised an existing process. It has redefined how multi-drop logistics is planned, executed and managed.
Key differentiators include:
- Software built within a live logistics operation
- Continuous co-development with the customer
- Rapid innovation cycles
- Proven performance at scale
Conclusion
The SDS Plus and Parts Plus partnership has delivered a practical, scalable and commercially proven digital transformation.
By replacing paper-based processes with a fully integrated digital platform, Parts Plus has achieved:
- Greater efficiency
- Improved visibility
- Enhanced customer experience
- Stronger operational control
While the 30 percent fleet reduction is a standout result, the true success lies in the model behind it.
A collaborative, operationally grounded approach to software development that continues to evolve and deliver value.
This is digital transformation in action, measurable, sustainable and built to scale.
