Beverage bottler Buffalo Rock has improved efficiency by more than 20 percent since implementing a distribution and delivery engine solution from HighJump Software, building on the benefits it has achieved from HighJump Software's mobile sales and delivery solutions.

Birmingham, Ala.-based Buffalo Rock, North America's largest single-family-owned pepsi-Cola bottler, deployed HighJump DDE (distribution and delivery engine) in 14 distribution centers, adding to its deployment of HighJump's Mobile Sales Advantage and RouteXpress solutions. These applications provide real-time sales and delivery execution information to employees across more than 800 routes in Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

Recently named "Bottler of the Year" by an industry magazine, Buffalo Rock continues its focus on advanced technology applications as a key component of its supply chain strategy and success. The HighJump solutions are integral in helping the bottler meet Pepsi-driven initiatives relating to advance shipment notices, equipment service data and reporting and tracking compliance.

According to SDCE's report, the bottler also relies on its suite of HighJump Software applications to support continuous process improvement efforts. For example, HighJump DDE has allowed Buffalo Rock to measure the effectiveness of its divisions using a balanced scorecard approach. This takes into consideration metrics such as stock-outs, error-free truck loading and the quality of product builds.

HighJump also said that DDE has enabled Buffalo Rock to reduce shipping errors, enhance visibility and optimize space and deliveries at each stop with efficient loading and unloading. The solution has helped the company move to a cart system, where orders in the distribution center are built on rolling containers that are loaded on trucks and moved directly into retail stores.

"The HighJump solutions help us increase productivity and maximize profitability, and we look forward to driving additional efficiency and process improvement," said Jim Jernigan, general manager of financial operations at Buffalo Rock. "More importantly, we're able to put the right information in the hands of our employees, which enables them to respond swiftly to our clients' needs."