PMS International Ltd

Vehicle tracking helping to deliver success

Business is booming for PMS International Group since the installation of the Navman Wireless vehicle tracking solution into its vehicles

PMS International Group has experienced countless benefits since introducing the Navman Wireless tracking solution to help run its vehicles.

As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of household goods and toys, the company makes up to 220 drops a day, delivering 7000 products to wholesellers, cash and carries and major retailers nationwide. By integrating Navman’s solution with routing and scheduling software from Paragon Software Systems, PMS International is running its 30 vehicles more efficiently – and saving money at the same time.

Initially, the solution was forecast to have paid for itself within eight months. But the added level of control provided by the new system means that Neil Beverley, Director of PMS International, is confident they will see a return on their investment in less than that timeframe. “Being able to run Paragon’s routing and scheduling software in conjunction with Navman’s tracking service saves us a lot of admin time and ensures that all the vans are used efficiently,” he explains. In fact, Neil Beverley estimates that the combined solution will have saved the business up to £200,000 by the end of the year.

Compatibility

The flexibility of Navman’s Wireless vehicle tracking solution was one of the key features for PMS International. Being able to integrate the OnLineAVL software with Paragon’s Fleet Controller solution provides a far greater degree of control over the workings of the business.

Integrating Navman’s vehicle tracking with Paragon’s routing and scheduling software means keeping up-to-date with how the day’s deliveries are progressing. So any problems such as late arrivals or unexpected delays are spotted in plenty of time. For Neil Beverley, the benefits this brings boil down to one simple thing. “We are now able to do our jobs better.”

The routing and scheduling service provided by Paragon’s software package, combined with Navman’s vehicle tracking system, ensures that trucks are always used in the most efficient way possible. The scheduling software can work out which vans should be sent out and what sequence deliveries should be made in, while the operations team can always stay ahead thanks to the real-time tracking provided by Navman.

Savings on Wages

With staff always on the go, keeping track of everyone can be tricky. Thanks to Navman’s tracking solution Neil Beverley no longer has to worry about staff making “enthusiastic” claims on their hours.

Meanwhile, the integration of Navman’s Fleet Management solution with Paragon’s routing and scheduling software has led to a reduction in man hours in the operations team. Before the new system was in place, all planning was carried out manually, with a different person creating the schedules for each area of the country. With the new system most of the work is done for them. Now the whole process has been centralised, saving working hours and making it far easier to plan routes across more than one area. The system can plan out the entire day’s work, ensuring that the right size lorry is used for each job, and selecting the most efficient schedules to conserve both fuel and time.

Efficient Running

This efficient scheduling has seen both mileage and fuel costs drop considerably. And no time is wasted either. Using the Geofence alerts that can be created on the Navman Wireless tracking system, base is sent an automatic notification via email when each lorry reaches two key positions on the M25 including the Dartford Tunnel. Knowing that a vehicle is nearly back means that PMS loaders can get goods ready to load for the next delivery.

Geofence settings are also in place to send an automatic email back to base any time a vehicle enters the congestion charge zone in London, ensuring that payments are not missed. Having this automated service not only reduces the margin for human error, it also keeps everything running smoothly.

Secure Vehicles

It is not unusual for PMS International’s vehicles to be out for days at a time. During this time security is often an issue, especially when drivers need to stop for breaks. Being able to track the location of vehicles means that security staff back at base can monitor them while the drivers are away, giving drivers peace of mind – and keeping the insurers happy too!

Finally, with the two solutions in place, PMS International is able to offer a far more reliable service to customers, with accurate delivery times that are being updated constantly. Now when customers need to know how their delivery is progressing, PMS International can give them a precise answer and provide accurate proof of delivery reports when needed.