John Lewis & Partners has implemented Paragon’s Live Management software to improve its operational efficiency.

The software package will allow the retailer to share real-time delivery information across its network of stores to help them manage deliveries and stock replenishment.

Ben Farrell, head of central operations and transport at John Lewis & Partners said: “Successful supply chain management in a digital world is all about visibility.

“By adding Paragon Live management to our existing Paragon solution we can quickly share vital information across the partnership.

“This helps us to make better use of John Lewis partners in each shop and provide a better experience for our customers.”

John Lewis’s transport management team has used Paragon’s routing and scheduling software for more than 10 years to create daily transport plans to manage their click and collect and store replenishment requirements.

The Paragon Live Management module will allow the central John Lewis transport office to share up-to-date arrival times with the company’s 51 stores.

Farrell added: ““As we get nearer to the peak period the ability to quickly turn around deliveries becomes even more vital.

“This is especially true in the week before Christmas when customers make significantly more click and collect purchases because they value the certainty that John Lewis & Partners will have their gifts ready and waiting for them to collect at their convenience.”

John Lewis sees significant increases in volumes during peak periods, where the busiest day can be 10 times busier than the quietest day in the year.

For example, the company expects customers to order 500,000 items on Black Friday alone, with the four-day period through to Cyber Monday generating sales of more than two million products. Of this, around 55% will be fulfilled via click and collect.

In the days running up to Christmas, up to 90% of online orders will be click and collect.