Category Archives: Logistics

Logistics, Logistics Tech, News

Where’s Santa now?

 Omniflex takes a tongue in cheek look at how they’d keep Santa on course with remote monitoring 

Santa’s World ‘o’ meter estimates that the current global population stands at just over eight billion — this is approximately 526 million children celebrating Christmas, hoping to open presents on December 25. To ensure all children receive their Christmas presents on time, the logistics elves at Santa’s Workshop Inc. approached remote monitoring specialist Omniflex to monitor Santa’s journey around the globe and check the reliability of his sleigh in real-time.

For many years, Santa Claus has relied on manual methods, like basic map reading, to help him circumnavigate the world to deliver presents. Furthermore, Santa must carry out regular visual checks to ensure his sleigh doesn’t fall apart on his long journey. During his 2019 run, hundreds of thousands of children received their presents late, with families in the Scottish Highlands reporting his arrival as they were sitting down for Christmas dinner! Furthermore, manual methods were posing a safety risk for Santa, who almost crashed his reindeer into the Swiss Alps while reading his map.

“At times, it was chaos,” explained Santa Claus, founder and CEO of Santa’s Workshop Inc. “Children were receiving their packages late and my reindeer were getting fatigued from all the detours and sleigh check stops we were having to make. It’s not easy to assess the condition of your sleigh during blizzards — especially after all the sherry and mince pies!”

To streamline the process, Santa’s elves hatched a plan to integrate cloud-based remote monitoring onto the metal legs of the sleigh, so that GPS location and strain and pressure readings could be taken in real-time, 24/7. The data would be transmitted to radio Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and monitored using the cloud-based data logging software, Data2Desktop. To provide the solution, they turned to Omniflex for help.

Remote monitoring of Santa’s sleigh provides several benefits. Firstly, cloud-based remote monitoring platforms provide a single, easy-to-access repository for all live and historical location data, allowing elves to track Santa’s journey and keep him on course. Secondly, all abnormal events can be reported directly via email or SMS to all relevant personnel without delay. For example, if the incorrect positioning of the presents in Santa’s sleigh causes excessive strain and pressure, Santa and his elves will immediately be notified. This ensures that the necessary repairs can be carried out before major damage is done.

What’s more, if Santa gets stuck in a chimney delaying his journey, the GPS monitoring will help the elves redirect him onto a faster route. Remote monitoring is also great for auditing purposes and will help Santa plan his journey better in future years.

“We’ve seen a huge difference in efficiency on Christmas Eve night since working with Omniflex,” explained Candice Kane, head elf at Santa’s workshop. “Through the IT elves monitoring his progress, Santa is kept on course and children across the world receive their presents on time.”

To ensure that your operations are running as efficiently as Santa’s sleigh, visit www.omniflex.com.

Food & Drink, Hospitality, Logistics, Logistics Tech, News

Catering and leisure supply businesses are still reeling from Covid and Brexit’s impact on stock

Written by Charlie Grant, Head of Profit4 Operations, OGL Software

Companies that distribute catering and leisure products, including equipment, packaging, appliances, display units and more, were all under pressure during the recently pandemic but a survey that we commissioned recently has revealed that Brexit and supply chain issues join Covid-19 as being the greatest factors affecting profitability for those distribution businesses in 2022.

The catering industry in the UK is valued at £4.7 billion while the leisure services industry generates over £111 billion of revenue per year. In total the catering and leisure supply business market is significant but this particular combined sector is one that was adversely affected by Brexit. As the end of the transition period coincided with the start of the latest lockdown, it was hard to separate the effects of the two.

Both the Covid pandemic and Brexit hit supply chains hard and necessitated many catering and leisure supply businesses pivoting to online sales. Indeed, he five main factors affecting catering and leisure companies’ profitability in 2022 were cited as the Covid 19 pandemic 53%, Brexit 49%, stock availability 45%, inaccurate data and errors 30%, and manual processes 23%. Events being cancelled or put on hold significantly affected catering businesses.

Digging deeper into coronavirus and its effects, respondents’ business priorities were to improve sales strategy and route to market 85%, a crisis plan in place 81% and effectively manage cashflow 81%.

Back in 2019, when OGL conducted the same survey, respondents cited employee costs 73% as the main factor affecting profitability, followed by inaccurate data 47%, and manual processes and outdated technology – both 40%.

Brexit and manual processes are still in the top five, but unsurprisingly Covid is the top factor affecting catering and leisure businesses this year. Employee cost and outdated technology have been ousted by the pandemic and stock availability.
Insecurity around Brexit is still affecting company profitability at almost half of respondents (49%), which is significantly up from pre-pandemic figures which saw over a quarter (27% of respondents citing it as a key factor in 2019.

The short-term impact of Brexit on the hospitality market overall meant the loss of a great number of employees due to changes in the law. As we moved through the pandemic, the hospitality sector adapted to the changing restrictions, with the proportion of businesses temporarily closed falling from 81% in the spring 2020 lockdown to 54% in the early 2021 lockdown. Consumer spending on hospitality started to increase in May 2021 but remains at less than 70% of pre-pandemic levels. Spending by businesses in the hospitality sector has seen smaller increases compared with consumer spending in May 2021; payments to suppliers from food and drink businesses have remained around half of pre-pandemic levels.

Confidence of business survival in the hospitality sector started to increase in May 2021 but remains below the all-sector level. The pandemic has led to supply chain shortages and a threat as some catering and leisure businesses are stockpiling products and parts to ensure supply to clients. Manual processes are still plaguing businesses leaving them behind the curve with regards to digital transformation, since almost a quarter (23%) cited them as a problem that can lead to potential loss of revenue, and inability to correctly assess performance and sales.

Entering another potentially uncertain economic period with continuing supply-chain issues, the Ukraine-Russia war, cost of living and fuel price rises, catering and leisure efforts to increase profitability are critical. Technology is at the heart of this. 87% of respondents agreed that technology is vital to the efficient running of their business, an increase on 67% three years ago, while 79% agreed that automating business processes helps their companies stay competitive, up from 53% pre-pandemic.

A key finding of the research was the wide spread of technologies used and the disparate nature of systems that are not necessarily “talking to each other” to provide a full view of operations. In the catering and leisure sector more than 95% of respondents use one or more software systems to run their business, from inventory/stock control to accounting software, CRM (customer relationship management) and ERP (enterprise resource planning).

Cater 4 You, a stockist of food packaging, baking, decorating and partyware supplies, glasses and tableware, implemented a new ERP system to manage their processes and help them improve customer service and manage customer expectations, as the Director explains: “We can instantly see if an item is out of stock and we can tell the customer from the beginning and offer alternatives, whether they’d prefer an alternative product, a part delivery or to wait for the next delivery date. The system allows us to avoid disappointment. The demand for products during lockdown put a huge strain on the supply chain – in the first few months of the year our suppliers had done 6-9 months of stock already. This has been tricky for us, but the system has allowed us to manage that.”

62% of respondents saw benefits from integrating disparate systems. 40% listing the main reason to use a single system as reduced administration time, followed by 0% citing integration with third party software and 36% wanting to future proof their business using the latest technologies.

Survey respondents confirmed that eCommerce has grown exponentially, with 87% stating that being able to sell products online easily is really important to them. Additionally, 85% of respondents stated that using an eCommerce platform was an effective tool for managing business operations. This comes as little surprise as businesses shifted online en masse to ensure continued supply.

As the pandemic accelerated digital transformation, cloud computing has been a driver for change, with 77% of respondents agreeing that hosting applications and data in the cloud have improved efficiencies and productivity (or would improve them if cloud were implemented).

Critically ERP systems are a key technology with 70% agreeing that they give greater availability and control of stock. ERP refers to a suite of integrated software that businesses use to manage day-to-day business activities, such as sales order management, stock control, warehouse management, CRM and more.

When breaking down technologies that can make up an ERP solution, inventory/stock control (83%), sales order and enquiry management (83%) and accounting software (83%) were seen as the most effective elements when managing business processes. In a time when eCommerce has grown exponentially, integration with third party software, especially eCommerce, online shopping channels, route planning and online payment methods is key, with 40% citing this as a benefit of using a single central ERP system.

Lifestyle Appliances, a company that sells outdoor hearers, cookers, coolers, lights and much more, implemented a single ERP system, which brought immediate but also ongoing benefits. Director, Frank Spencer, comments: “As we transit out of the pandemic and return to what you might call the “new normal”, practices implemented during the pandemic and lockdown will be maintained as standard working practice as a result of them being recognised as a far more efficient way of conducting our business.”

The main barriers to deploying an integrated software solution were cost, with 47% citing it as a factor, down from 67% in 2019, followed by 34% with business disruption, finding a solution right for their business 30% and 25% with data security. Cost is often associated with the misconception that ERP systems are only for larger businesses, and the lack of information about affordable subscription-based models.

This year’s findings reflect the huge impact the pandemic has had across any business that holds stock. Supply chain uncertainties exacerbated by Brexit and the pandemic have impacted companies’ profitability.

Many smaller businesses just don’t have the ability or money to stockpile products to meet pent up demand, and now with the fuel crisis and war, they are having to take a pragmatic approach to supply customers.

Positively there is a greater degree of acceptance of cloud technology and understanding that ERP systems are not just for larger companies. Manual processes are still a hindrance as are disparate systems, both of which lead to inefficiencies. A single view of a business, especially of inventory levels, and integrated technologies will lead to better profitability, increased productivity and accurate data for planning. Retailers, caters and leisure facilities need to streamline their businesses like never before to ensure that they efficiently and quickly meet demand.”

Access to the full report is here: https://www.ogl.co.uk/profitability-in-uk-wholesale-businesses

OGL Software’s top 5 tips for a successful ERP implementation for catering and leisure businesses

1. Conduct a Business Process Review

2. Review and clean data – take the time to review and clean your customer, supplier and product data to ensure that only quality data is transferred to avoid further complication and data errors.

3. Select an ERP platform based on your future strategy and goals – choose a software solution that will grow with your business and support your needs in the future.

4. Don’t underestimate training – identify super users for each department so they can help to train staff moving forward, while taking ownership of business processes for their department.

5. Choose the right partner – invest in a software provider that can support you and help you to achieve maximum potential from your investment.

NB: survey was conducted in March 2022 and any comparison is to the same questions in September 2019. Respondents were given a number of options for each question.

Driving at Work, Driving Tech, HR, L&D, Logistics, Logistics Tech, News

JLA Bolsters Fleet Safety Strategy With Applied Driving Partnership Creates Intelligent Driver Training

JLA, a leading supplier of commercial laundry, catering, heating and fire safety equipment, has teamed up with Applied Driving to deliver advanced digital driver training. The partnership forms the basis of JLA’s mission to prioritse fleet safety across its national 400-vehicle operation. An initial trial has led to increased road safety diligence and awareness, with the training focused on areas including in acceleration, braking and cornering.

Applied Driving’s innovative product Companion+ has integrated with Inseego’s fleet tracking software via API, so that highly accurate driver behaviour data can be analysed to generate Triggered Training™ where at risk driving behaviours are identified. This enables JLA to continue managing road safety issues effectively for all fleet drivers, enhance its internal safe driving culture and reduce insurance costs.

 

Lisa Winnard, HR Director at JLA commented: “Ensuring the safety of our engineers is of the utmost importance to us and our partnership with Applied Driving supports that. At first we undertook a 6-week pilot of the integrated solution – covering 35 drivers in our western region – and were pleased with the results. Our drivers showed high levels of engagement with the gamification elements of the system, while the automated nature of the technology meant we were able to minimise our management involvement.”

The solution, delivered by Applied Driving in partnership with Novuna Vehicle Solutions, enables drivers to receive targeted email or SMS safety messages followed by a combination of safety videos and e-learning modules to reinforce good driving choices. Meanwhile, a weekly performance report for both employees and managers will provide an easy-to-view summary, including a simple ranking system to encourage healthy competition through gamification. Any persistent issues will result in notifications sent to the relevant manager for supportive intervention.

“By bringing together technology systems from Applied Driving and Inseego, we are creating a dynamic and automated driver and behavioural safety management solution for our fleet of close to 400 vans. It’s keeping our drivers safe.” added Winnard.

 

Nigel Lawrence, Director of Client Partnerships at Applied Driving said: “We recognise the benefits of utilising technology to deliver driver training solutions. Through Companion+, we are evolving our offering to grow integrations with telematics providers, alongside our existing app-based option, to deliver flexible and targeted training solutions for all company and grey fleet operations. This is making our intelligent fleet safety and driver-management technology increasingly appealing to vehicle operators of all types and sizes.”

Logistics, News

Factors to Consider When Choosing Parcel Delivery and Courier Services

Have you ever thought of buying something overseas but faced the hurdle of shipping it to your country of residence? International parcel shipping and delivery have been a major hindering factor for most people who want to get their favorite video game or that new phone model that is expensive or unavailable in their country.

How Do You Pick the Best Delivery Service?

Luckily, several good shipping companies offer parcel delivery and courier services. However, you must consider some factors before settling on one to use. Let’s discuss some crucial considerations.

Delivery Speed

Speed is one of the most critical things you should consider while choosing your parcel delivery and courier services provider. There are some parcels you will need urgently, and you don’t want them delayed. The delay may arise from bad scheduling, rendering the package useless by the time you receive it. Always choose a faster parcel delivery and courier services provider. This way, in any case of delays, you will still receive your parcel on time.

Nature of the Parcel

The nature of your parcel should play a major role when choosing a parcel delivery and courier services provider. Some packages may not need extra care, while others may require special attention, such as: 

  • Packaging 

The kind of packaging used by parcel delivery and courier service providers may determine if you receive your package in one piece. Fragile parcels may need extra packaging to reach the intended destination without being broken while in transit. Some providers may charge for additional packaging, while others may do it for free. 

  • Temperature 

The temperature under which your parcels will be transported should also form a basis for choosing your delivery and courier services provider. This is because your package may need refrigeration while in transit. Find out if the parcel delivery provider offers that service. Are they providing it at an extra cost, which may affect your budget? Perishable goods and certain medications will require a regulated temperature and a faster delivery time. Otherwise, the contents will get spoilt while in transit.

Tracking Services

Tracking your parcel in real-time is another vital feature for an international parcel delivery and courier services provider. Tracking brings about transparency and trust. Simultaneously, it allows you to prepare adequately, especially if there will be applicable payments once the parcel arrives. A good tracking system lets you know if your package is on the correct route to the destination. If you’re aware that your parcel’s heading the wrong way, you can preempt the delivery company and make alternate arrangements if necessary.

Customer Service

An international delivery and courier services provider with good customer service implies that your concerns are attended to faster. It can be frustrating if your issues don’t receive prompt attention, especially if they are a matter of urgency. A company with reliable customer service will help you from the time you place an order to the moment the package reaches its destination.

Cost

Everyone wants to save an extra buck in whatever they do or buy. The same applies when choosing an international parcel delivery and courier services provider. Various factors determine the pricing, such as the nature of the parcel, whether it’s perishable or not, the delivery distance, and the weight and size of the item. Nonetheless, you should always go for a company that delivers affordable services yet doesn’t sacrifice speed and quality.

Final Thoughts

Looking for a cheap international parcel delivery and courier services provider? Armed with the above factors, you should be able to decide on the best provider for your needs and stick to your budget. Pay attention to client reviews; they should give you a good idea of what to expect.

Driving, Driving Tech, Logistics, Logistics Tech, News

Pocket Box Launches SME Fleet Software Solution to Simplify Driver and Vehicle Management

Pocket Box, the vehicle and driver management software specialist, has launched an SME fleet solution that promises a simple way to maintain compliance, reduce risk and save time and money. The web-and app-based management tool is designed to streamline fleet-related tasks and processes to ensure vehicles are kept road legal and safe, while staff are fit and eligible to drive.

 

“Our aim is to deliver a dynamic, powerful and easy-to-use software solution that takes the hassle out of running a fleet of vehicles,” explains Jim Finnegan, Founder and CEO of Pocket Box Ltd. “Many SME fleets still rely on spreadsheet-and paper-based processes, which is causing an unnecessary headache to fleet managers, admin staff and drivers. Pocket Box Fleet takes away this operational pain, ultimately helping businesses to improve efficiency, productivity, compliance and safety.”

 

Pocket Box Fleet’s dashboard and notification system combines at-a-glance visibility with simple navigation and seamless task management. By bringing together all essential vehicle and driver records – plus supporting documentation – in a single system, it is possible to keep on top on key renewal dates, quickly access electronic audit trails, and ensure a fleet is operating legally.

Reminders and alerts use traffic light colour-coding to prioritise the most important tasks and draw attention to potential vehicle or driver issues. This means a fleet manager or administrator can be kept aware of all vehicle servicing or maintenance requirements, as well as any imminent MOT, tax and insurance expiration dates. Licence details can also be monitored alongside a wide range of driver data such as accident records, training requirements, driving offences and medical issues.

Meanwhile, the Pocket Box app – suitable for any Apple or Android smartphone – enables drivers to electronically complete daily walkaround checks; report vehicle related issues; take photographs of damages and defects; and capture mileage data. It also includes a declaration form, so employees can confirm they are fit to drive and have not consumed unsafe levels of alcohol the previous day. All information is uploaded to the web-based software to support highly effective vehicle, driver and fuel management.

 

“We have created a flexible system that is highly customisable, scalable and affordable to meet the precise needs of SME fleets. By automating processes and storing critical data electronically, Pocket Box Fleet dramatically reduces workload, cuts costs and eliminates human error, while keeping drivers safe, a business compliant and vehicles on the road. Our development roadmap will result in additional functionality over the coming months, as well as integration with complementary fleet technologies and applications,” adds Finnegan.

 

Pocket Box is a cloud-and app-based software company that has developed a comprehensive eco-system for the consumer motoring, automotive, fleet and road transport sectors. The feature-rich eco-system is designed for ease-of-use and to support multiple integrations with third-party technology partners, enabling Pocket Box to deliver advanced vehicle and driver management solutions.

Logistics, News

Evri Opens Largest Distribution Hub in Europe

Evri (formerly Hermes UK), the consumer delivery specialist, has today opened its new automated parcel distribution hub, the largest of its kind in Europe which represents a £60 million investment in Barnsley, near Sheffield.

The hub is creating around 1,400 new jobs in the area. Over 800 full time roles have been recruited, including 12 apprentices in partnership with Barnsley College, in addition, 600 temporary and part time roles will be available to support during busy periods for those looking for more flexible employment. Over 80% of operatives have been recruited from the local area. The £60 million development is located in Barnsley, near Sheffield.

The 340,000 square foot facility has the capacity to process up to 1.1 million parcels every day and will increase the company’s overall parcel processing capacity to 4.2 million a day. It is strategically located near the motorway, close to a number of Evri’s retail customers’ distribution sites meaning that later cut off times for collections will be provided.

As part of its ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) commitment Evri has also confirmed that by early 2023, over 50% of the vehicles operating from the site will utilise bio CNG (compressed natural gas) that reduces carbon emissions by over 80% compared to diesel.  Other eco initiatives include natural grassed acoustic bunds to absorb the small amounts of noise between the site and residential dwellings, a balancing pond, a biodiversity area and over 25,000 plants, trees and hedgerows that will be planted. The building itself will include solar panels on the roof and a rainwater-harvesting system. Earlier this month, Evri was recognised for its work in this area and won ‘Best Environmental Practice’ at the Green World Awards.

Martijn de Lange, CEO at Evri, said: “This development showcases our commitment to responding to the ever-increasing demand for online shopping and yet provide a service that doesn’t cost the earth. Our continued investment to strengthen our network and infrastructure across the UK is laying the foundations for future growth, creating more employment opportunities and confirming our position as an industry leader.”

Barnsley Council Spokesperson, local councillor and Chair of the Ward Alliance, Nicola Sumner, said:

“We are delighted to see the positive figures on recruitment for the new Evri site here in Barnsley. Our commitment has been to create more and better jobs in the borough, and it’s great to see local people benefitting from new job opportunities in a range of roles.

“It is also a key benefit from such a significant investment, like the Evri site, that we will attract new people and businesses to the area to enjoy all that Barnsley has to offer.

“Barnsley is investing so businesses, and jobs, stay in Barnsley. Having a job is more than just income. It’s about having a purpose and motivation, supporting good health and having a sense of pride and belonging. We are committed to giving people these opportunities. I know many people will be excited about starting their new roles, and I wish all staff at Evri every success at the new Barnsley hub.”

Logistics, News

Arrowxl to Deliver Ambient Heating Solutions to Customers Across the UK

ArrowXL, the UK’s largest and longest established 2-person home delivery specialist has been awarded a contract with Purmo Group UK, one of the world’s leading suppliers of indoor climate comfort solutions, to deliver designer radiators to homes across the UK.

Purmo Group UK have chosen the AXL 48-hour service, providing their customers with a nominated delivery day to suit their schedule.  They are currently working together to provide a ‘stocked in proposition’ to support a next day delivery service boasting the latest cut-off time in the industry.

Purmo Group UK had concerns with high levels of damage in transit with their previous delivery provider, and a lack of visibility throughout the customer journey.  They also experienced low first-time delivery success and poor communication in the event of a problem.  Working in partnership with ArrowXL they have managed to overcome these issues and now have an exciting opportunity to expand their B2C business and offer next day service.

Andrew Slack, Plant Manager, Distribution at Purmo Group UK, commented: “Since working with ArrowXL our visibility and service levels have increased dramatically.  This has given us the confidence to offer our products to a wider range of customers on a home delivered basis.  We’re excited about our development plans within the UK and are delighted to be working with ArrowXL to achieve our business growth.”

Purmo Group UK offer almost limitless system combinations of hydronic and electrical systems (radiators and embedded in floors, ceilings or walls), radiant heating and cooling systems, and fast responding air-based, convector heating and cooling systems.  They are on a mission to be the world’s leader in sustainable indoor climate comfort solutions.

Logistics, Logistics Tech, News

Cuckooland’s Trademark ‘Wow’ Delivered by ArrowXL

ArrowXL, the UK’s largest and longest established 2-person home delivery specialist has been awarded a contract with Cuckooland, the luxury lifestyle emporium to deliver unique homeware, furniture and unusual gifts to households across the UK.

Cuckooland pride themselves on providing stylishly quirky furniture, garden and homeware, kids beds and unique and unusual gift ideas.  Their customers expect high-end products with a fast and efficient delivery so they were looking for a distribution partner who would provide a complimentary service.

Furniture will be consolidated at the Worcester site and Cuckooland will take advantage of the ArrowXL ‘Diary Booking Service’ enabling their customers to nominate their delivery day.

Alex Ledsham, Director at Cuckooland, commented: “The team at Arrow have done everything they can to make us feel right at home, providing fantastic communication and support throughout the onboarding process. Offering a whole host of new services to deliver Cuckooland’s trademark ‘wow’ to our customers, including Saturday deliveries, mattress & packaging recycling and many other flexible options, we’re very excited to begin dispatching with Arrow. It’s the start of a great new partnership for Cuckooland and we’re very excited to be working together.”

Allan Pape, Business Development Manager at ArrowXL added: “As the UK’s largest multi-user two-person home delivery and warehousing specialist we have a great deal of experience working with retailers.

“Quite often our delivery team are the only face-to-face interaction that customers will have with our client, so it’s crucial that we act as brand ambassadors who understand the products and provide a seamless service.”

Automotive, Driving, Driving Tech, Logistics, Logistics Tech

What is a fleet management dashboard?

Fleet management is a strategy that helps businesses streamline their use of company vehicles to boost productivity, cut costs, and stay following all applicable laws and regulations. While GPS tracking is the most well-known aspect of fleet management, it also includes monitoring and recording vehicle diagnostics and driver performance.

Businesses in the transportation, oil and gas delivery, utility, repair, and service sectors all use fleet management software to monitor vehicle usage, verify employee safety, and provide real-time tracking. Fleet management software is often associated with delivery vehicles but is also used in the boating industry.

A wide variety of fleet management tools are now available from various suppliers. Reliable global automatic vehicle location (AVL) detection is achieved through telematics like GPS, though in less populated areas, GLONASS or cheaper cellular triangulation are used instead.

With the help of fleet management software, business leaders and drivers can keep tabs on their vehicles without having to visit each one physically. Safety, vehicle maintenance, breaks, and productivity can all be tracked in real time. Fleet management programs also allow for remote control of features like top speeds, maximum engine RPMs, and gradual vehicle slowdown or stoppage.

To prevent vehicles and cargo from being stolen, remote security features use cellular, mapping, and GPS technology to quickly and precisely pinpoint the location of unauthorized vehicles. Monitoring vehicle operation for mechanical issues and inefficiency helps the company’s overall efficiency and safeguards profits.

 

Benefits of a Fleet Management Dashboard?

There are benefits for both the fleet manager and the business when using a route dashboard. Managers and business owners can free up more time for what matters by automating routine tasks and centralizing many fleet management activities. A few advantages of a fleet management dashboard include:

 

  1. You can make better decisions based on real-time information if you can quickly access data and information about your fleet.
  2. It gives you a bird’s-eye view of your fleet’s history and current status, making informed decisions based on day-to-day performance comparisons.
  3. Your fleet’s data and information can be accessed and analyzed quickly and easily from a central location.
  4. You can conduct fleet-wide or individual vehicle analyses to determine which vehicles need servicing.
  5. You can keep tabs on your fleet and the people operating it with near real-time alerts that let you know precisely where your vehicles are at any given time. The dashboard will alert you if a team member is idling, exceeding the speed limit, or stopping for no apparent reason, so you can help them develop safer driving habits.
  6. You can easily access detailed fleet reports through the dashboard. These reports can be used to evaluate the efficiency of your fleet.

 

When you know how to manage your fleet, you can save money and keep up with customer demands, two crucial factors in staying competitive. You can hire an in-house fleet manager or contract the job to an established fleet management firm.

Taking care of a fleet of vehicles is a significant and expensive job. Commercial fleet management services are helpful if your company uses three or more vehicles for business purposes. Outsourcing this service is one of the best moves you can make for your company.

 

Charity & CSR, Logistics, News

Evri Celebrates New Gatwick Depot Opening with Local Charity Donation

Evri (formerly Hermes UK), the UK’s largest dedicated parcel company has celebrated the opening of its new depot at Gatwick by donating £2k to St Catherine’s Hospice.

The ‘cheque’ was delivered by Stephen Byrnes, Depot Manager to Emma Peadon from the charity at the new 81,671sq ft distribution depot at Manor Royal which will increase parcel handling capacity in the area to support local demand. The money was raised following an approach by a company who offered a fee to use the new site as a back drop for some photography on behalf of Vodaphone.

Emma Peadon at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “The pandemic has meant many of our fundraising events and activities haven’t gone ahead in the last two years, so we’re facing a severe shortfall in our funding. We are extremely grateful to business like Evri whose support helps ensure that we can continue to provide expert hospice care and ensure we’re there for local people when life comes full circle.”

Stephen Byrnes at Evri, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be opening our new facility, where we’ll be able to handle 200k parcels each day, double our previous capacity. We take our ESG responsibilities very seriously and the depot comes complete with EV charging to support our electric vehicle ParcelShop fleet, LED lighting on sensors throughout, rainwater harvesting, low carbon heating, solar panels and is built to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certified specifications.  We have also been able to show our support for the local community from day one and make a donation to this fantastic charity.”