Paragon announces record year for routing and planning solutions
Routing and planning specialist Paragon Software Systems has reported a strong 2016, with high levels of growth in all areas of its business.
The company says it has invested heavily over the last 12 months in product development and global expansion, to meet rising demand for route optimisation and home delivery planning solutions, both in the UK and internationally.
As a result, Paragon says, it experienced a 70 per cent increase in new customers and achieved annual renewals of more than 95 per cent.
“While market challenges persist, we have seen that forward-looking businesses remain willing to invest in technology solutions that deliver clear service improvements and provide competitive advantage,” said William Salter, managing director of Paragon Software Systems (pictured right). 
“Over the past year, we have worked closely with new and existing customers including leading brands such as Argos, Asda, Dreams, The Linde Group, Wincanton and Warburtons to help them make the most of our proven routing and scheduling software.”
In addition to continued growth in the US, Paragon continued to expand its international footprint during 2016, with its software now in use in 60 countries ranging from Puerto Rico to South Korea and the Philippines.
The company also set up a wholly foreign owned enterprise (WFOE) in Shanghai, China, which it says is already generating opportunities with both local transport business and international organisations operating within the country.
2016 also saw the launch of the latest version of Paragon’s routing and scheduling software, incorporating a host of significant enhancements across both the Planning and Paragon Live modules.
Features include the planning tool Route Control, which helps mitigate the impact of time-sensitive route restrictions. In addition, the range of vehicle tracking tools that Paragon integrates with was also increased, taking the number of interfaced systems to 35.
Meanwhile, software business Axida was renamed as Paragon HDX Ltd following the acquisition of a major shareholding in the company by Paragon Software Systems during 2015.
This development reflected the latest phase of bringing the two businesses together, says Paragon, occurring alongside comprehensive product development to shape the Paragon HDX home delivery software into a more simplified, modular order fulfilment system.
During its first full year as part of the group, Paragon HDX Limited saw growth of more than 10 per cent, with gains in the retail, logistics and service management sectors.
“We have continued to work hard across the business over the past 12 months, continually responding to the latest market needs and helping overcome the challenging conditions that our customers find themselves in,” said Salter.
“This has enabled us to experience a successful 2016 and start the new year on a strong footing with a number of substantial business wins.”
