Welcome to the Quantum Case Files: Real-World Impact series. At the Quantum Innovation Summit, our mission is not only to foster quantum technology adoption but to share real, in-production examples that highlight its transformative potential. This series is dedicated to illuminating case studies that demonstrate how quantum technology is Pattison Food Group COVID-19 pandemic.
Quantum Computing Transforms Logistics for Pattison Food Group (PFG)
During the initial wave of the pandemic, online orders surged, stressing logistics networks and increasing demand for timely delivery of essential goods. For Pattison Food Group (PFG), Canada’s largest retailer of food and healthcare products with over 100 retail locations across western Canada, coordinating deliveries at this volume was challenging. Manual scheduling, previously handled by a team, was no longer sustainable as it required up to 80 hours of work each week—an approach that could not keep pace with the growing demand.
The Challenge: Meeting Pandemic-Era Demand with Optimized Logistics
As PFG grappled with the logistical complexities brought on by the pandemic, the team recognized the urgent need for a more efficient, scalable solution. Managing schedules for delivery drivers involved numerous factors: driver availability, shift preferences, travel distance, store assignments, and peak delivery times. Each shift also had to be planned in compliance with labor requirements, such as mandatory rest periods. The pandemic had amplified the need for a system capable of meeting these logistical challenges rapidly and efficiently.
The Quantum Solution: Automated Scheduling with D-Wave
To address these needs, PFG turned to D-Wave, utilizing a quantum-based scheduling solution that could optimize delivery schedules for hundreds of drivers across multiple locations. This advanced system, designed to handle intricate scheduling variables, leveraged quantum technology to reduce what was once an 80-hour scheduling task to just 15 hours weekly. By accounting for all relevant variables—from driver preferences to peak demand times—the quantum solution generated optimized, reliable schedules that met PFG’s operational demands.
The system’s flexibility was another key advantage, allowing it to adapt to last-minute adjustments like unexpected absences or workforce changes. By integrating D-Wave’s quantum technology into its logistics, PFG transformed a previously manual, labor-intensive process into an efficient, automated solution capable of meeting the increased demands of the COVID-19 era.
Real-World Impact: Efficiency Gains, Cost Savings, and Enhanced Employee Satisfaction
Since deploying the quantum-powered auto-scheduler in late 2022, PFG has consistently met over 95% of its online order demand, ensuring timely deliveries to customers while reducing operational costs. The solution’s reliability in delivering optimally assigned shifts also improved employee satisfaction by aligning work schedules with driver preferences, making it easier for employees to balance work with personal needs.
With such positive outcomes, PFG explores the possibility of scaling this quantum scheduling solution across its broader network of 300+ stores throughout North America. The scalability of D-Wave’s technology and the operational improvements achieved at PFG demonstrate the transformative potential of quantum computing in logistics and other resource-intensive industries.
The Broader Role of Quantum in Transforming Industry
PFG’s success with D-Wave illustrates quantum computing’s power to address logistical challenges in today’s complex world, moving the technology beyond proof of concept into practical, high-impact applications. This case is part of a growing trend that shows how quantum technology can streamline complex operations, reduce costs, and improve employee satisfaction through optimized, efficient scheduling.
Each case study in our Quantum Case Files series demonstrates quantum computing’s relevance and growing role in meeting modern business challenges across industries. From enhancing energy grid management to optimizing supply chains, quantum applications continue to expand, setting a foundation for industries to build upon.
As quantum technology continues to evolve, the implications for industries around the world are profound. Stay tuned for future installments of Quantum Case Files: Real-World Impact, where we’ll continue to uncover transformative quantum applications reshaping sectors and setting new standards for the future.
Source: D-Wave Case Story
Disclaimer:
The Quantum Case Files: Real-World Impact series presents case studies highlighting quantum technology applications independently developed by third-party organizations. All intellectual property rights, including but not limited to patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, proprietary methodologies, data, and outcomes associated with these case studies, are solely vested with the respective organizations. The Quantum Innovation Summit, Vernewell Group, and any affiliated entities assume no ownership, endorsement, warranty, or responsibility for the accuracy, performance, or replicability of the technologies, methodologies, or results discussed herein.
This information is provided exclusively for educational and informational purposes and should not be construed as professional advice, recommendation, or guarantee. Readers seeking to replicate, utilize, or otherwise engage with the information presented are advised to conduct independent due diligence and consult directly with the relevant third-party organizations regarding rights, permissions, and applicable terms.
