Selective choice of suppliers achieves strongest single solution - 28.06.11
Vehicle tracking specialist Navman Wireless asserts that integration of leading fleet management solutions is the best way to deliver the strongest service to customers.
“We believe that specialists working together efficiently are more effective than a single system attempting to do everything,” said Steve Blackburn, European Vice President, Navman Wireless. “‘One size fits all’ systems are always a compromise and cannot deliver the same level of service in specific areas as is provided by dedicated experts.”
Egertons Recovery, one of Europe’s largest vehicle-recovery services, has been using Navman Wireless’ technology across its fleet since 2009. As well as inherent fuel savings, vehicle tracking’s benefits include enabling Egertons to increase response speeds and provide more accurate arrival times for customers.
Egertons, which operates out of 16 depots and offers a UK-wide 24 hour service, has a tracked fleet size of over 250 vehicles, all of which utilise Navman Wireless’ MDT-860 two-way messaging terminal. The device enables the system to integrate with Egertons’ job despatch software, created by Apex Networks, the recovery management software (RMS) and IT support specialist.
Navman Wireless works closely with Apex Networks to offer a solution that helps regional and national recovery firms like Egertons meet the demanding performance targets of national breakdown service providers such as the AA, RAC and Green Flag.
The resultant software platform went live in June 2010 and has proved a good reflection of the ethos of Mark Egerton, Managing Director, Egertons Recovery Ltd: “The ideal working process is achieved by smooth integration between all components of our business - its valuable internally and vital for customer relationships. We believe this should be demonstrated in the IT solutions chosen to aid delivery of each task.”
The system is designed to provide a seamless link between recovery management software and vehicle tracking. This enables recovery operators to receive subcontracted job requests from national breakdown operators, accept or decline them, locate the nearest available recovery vehicle, plan its route and send job details to the technician, manage the storage, repair and salvage of the vehicle and generate invoices – all at the touch of a button.
Vehicle locations can be determined at a glance from detailed onscreen maps while management reports on recovery vehicle activities include everything from speed analysis to driver working hours.
With integrated in-cab messaging terminals, technicians can be sent a message containing job details and can notify control rooms of their current status. Performance criteria such as response times and job duration can then be analysed by the back office.
Steve explained the prevailing business acumen behind the approach: “Though there are numerous valuable features within vehicle tracking alone, integration with selected third party plug-ins ensures a strong base and continuing growth of functionality – drawing on the strengths of other respected suppliers to deliver diverse benefits focused on enhancing the customer experience.
“As a company which prides itself on being a specialist, it follows naturally that we believe a range of experts from differing fields are best placed to deliver the strongest service – provided the way in which they interact is equally efficient.”
Mark added: “Navman Wireless’ approach is intuitive. But the recovery industry has learnt first hand the difference between promoting and actually providing reliable interconnected RMS and vehicle tracking. Along with Apex Networks, we’ve chosen two suppliers that work together as one – and deliver on their promises.”
Steve Williams, Director of Apex Networks said: “This system provides flexibility to the recovery industry and is the most comprehensive and resilient technology available to enhance the performance of recovery operators,”
Other firms benefiting from the combined Navman Wireless and APEX system include The Mansfield Group, Arthur Jones Motors, GM Recovery and Rogers Rescue.
“The wealth of information that recovery firms now have access to will not only help them to boost their operational efficiency, it will improve their bottom line, their duty of care responsibilities to employees and their technicians’ working lives,” added Steve Blackburn.
Navman Wireless’ third party integration policy is highly selective, guided by the provider’s strong emphasis on accountability and its dedication to achieving the many objectives of fleet managers.
“By developing partnerships and technology with respected suppliers that practice, not just claim our values, we ensure delivery of the highest levels of customer satisfaction,” Steve Blackburn confirmed.
Other applications Navman Wireless currently integrates with include: Paragon, Haultech, Vigo, Red Forge and Pallex.