Descartes jumps deeper into ‘pool’ distribution

Logistics systems provider Descartes Systems Group has acquired the assets of Progressive Computer Services, known as PCSTrac, for $11.25 million.    Logistics systems provider Descartes Systems Group has acquired the assets of Progressive Computer Services, known as PCSTrac, for $11.25 million.
   Philadelphia-based PCSTrac provides retailers and their service providers with carton-level visibility for their shipments from distribution centers to stores.
   “Our combination with PCSTrac complements our previous investment in BearWare and shows our commitment to providing our customers with tools to manage an increasingly complex omni-channel environment,” Descartes CEO Edward J. Ryan said in a statement. “By combining two market leaders in carton-level tracking and pool distribution with our global logistics network, we can bring increased efficiencies to both retailers and their logistics service providers.”
   According to Descartes, so-called “pool” distribution has become an increasingly important to retailers and carriers to lower distribution costs, increase delivery frequency, and improve overall replenishment performance.