This is nothing new. Use software to save money. Not too flashy but really effective.
I have a client who had me write an algorithm to determine his most popular products and then physically assign them onto the picking system between the "knees" and "shoulders" (the numbering system supported this). Save 2 seconds bending or reaching up, no big deal. Save 2 seconds 8000 times per day and you've got something there.
I'm pretty sure that FedEx (at least, the 'Home' company, I don't know whether they all share IT) does not do this. I believe they use MapQuest, maybe licensed. Yet, FedEx brags that they're beating UPS (growing 15% / year) because FedEx is the more innovative company. I guess this is a wrinkle.
At least their routes go clockwise, eliminating ~1 left-hand turn :)
I have a client who had me write an algorithm to determine his most popular products and then physically assign them onto the picking system between the "knees" and "shoulders" (the numbering system supported this). Save 2 seconds bending or reaching up, no big deal. Save 2 seconds 8000 times per day and you've got something there.