The Customer

A leading Canadian retailer and distributor of food and pharmaceutical products, with 1,000+ operations across the country, sought to overcome the inefficiencies of a paper-driven supply chain.

The Challenge

The existing delivery network was heavily dependent on in-person interactions and manual paperwork. Drivers had to record reroutes caused by accidents, weather, or road closures on paper, which was slow, error-prone, and difficult to track. Each distribution center maintained its own records, increasing the risk of lost or non-compliant documents. Daily re-planning of orders became time-consuming, and the absence of a centralized repository added operational strain and compliance risks.

The Solution

To address these challenges, a comprehensive digital transformation program was delivered using the Appian platform within just 4–5 weeks. Key initiatives included:

• Driver App – Equipping over 6,000 drivers with mobile and tablet access to digital timesheets, proofs of delivery, manifests, and real-time reporting of delays or exceptions.

• Store Visibility App (TRIP) – Providing stores with a full view of orders, deliveries, pallet details, and delays, while enabling continuous feedback to warehouses. Seamless integration with legacy systems, GPS devices, and Google Maps ensured accurate tracking.

• Warehouse Waving with RPA – Automating monitoring and work release tasks, reducing downtime and enabling controllers to focus on decision-making.

• Flow Re-Key with RPA – Automating re-entry of missed orders within 24 hours, minimizing delays and ensuring faster fulfillment.

Business Benefits

• 6,000+ drivers digitally empowered with mobile-first apps

• 2X increase in productivity with zero case losses

• 95+ warehouses automated with reduced manual workloads

• 60–70% workload reduction across warehouse operations

• Centralized document repository enabling secure, anytime access

• Accurate driver arrival and departure tracking via geofencing

Impact

By replacing paper-heavy workflows with intelligent automation and real-time visibility, the organization transformed its supply chain into a faster, smarter, and more resilient ecosystem. Drivers, warehouses, and stores now operate with greater accuracy, efficiency, and compliance—delivering consistent value at scale.

Ready to See the Full Transformation?

Discover how Appian’s digital solutions empowered 6,000+ drivers, automated warehouses, and streamlined delivery operations.