Senior Manager, Supply Chain Analysis in Engineering at Averitt Express Supply Chain Solutions (5001-10,000 employees employees)
Pros
Appian is excellent for use in both the analysis arena and ongoing operations support. The speed to solution and quality of solution is at the top of the market.
The configurability of the system gives the user the flexibility to address almost any route problem imaginable. Analysts have the ability to recreate the "world" to fit their customer's needs rather than forcing the customer into a predetermined framework.
The installation of the software is flexible and can be structured to fit any work group's format, from a centralized core to a distributed mobile analysis team.
Cons
With the extreme flexibility and configurability of the system also comes a need to have one or more high end users of the software. Not every rank and file analyst will be able to take full advantage of the program.
There will inevitably be some customer problems that the system isn't able to successfully address. This may not always be a fault if the system (it can also stem from lack of information from the customer), but it will result in analyst frustration.
We have had a few issues with the configuration of the program on a particular analyst's PC. TMW support was very helpful in working out a solution, but it was still a week+ length issue to resolve.
Return on Investment
Analysis setup and completion time is dramatically improved.
Quality of solutions exceed previous tools
Overall product cost is among the best in the industry
Software integrates well with other on-board monitoring devices (plan transfer to truck/driver)
Product does a great job of assisting in off-router stop placement to assure the impact to miles is minimal.
Direct Route tool is essential in project analysis to determine impact to miles/hours for proposed changes.
Cons
Transit times are sometimes inaccurate/inconsistent.
Software can slow down as a route file undergoes many changes.
Large quantity of input files can sometimes create confusion/inconsistency when route files are shared by multiple users.
Return on Investment
Improved service to customers by being more aware of ETA's and how they relate to each store's receiving hours.
Reduced transportation costs in dynamic environment where routes are optimized daily using Direct Route.
Better customer service to field by generating e-mail notifications for following day's ETA's, along with notifications when trips are behind schedule.
