The move to digital management happened almost by chance. General manager Chris Thompson recalled: “I was actually on the RHA website looking for some new defect reporting stationery when I came across an advert for Truckfile. I decided to dig a bit deeper and could see the potential for making the management of our fleet compliance much smoother and easier. The cost seemed very competitive too, so we decided to go for it – and it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done.”
Truckfile’s Workshop Application quickly fulfilled all its promise for improved efficiency in running the operator’s maintenance operation.
“The best aspect for me is the visibility – every bit of information I need about all our vehicles is there on one screen,” he said. “I can see which trucks need servicing, MOT testing, taxing or tachograph calibration, as well as any reported defects. I don’t have to go looking for anything, it’s all right there in front of me.
“For our technicians, too, the benefits are clear,” he continued. “They use hand-held tablets and a touchscreen terminal to record all vehicle inspections and jobs completed. It’s so much simpler and quicker than using paper forms.”
The ability to easily cross-reference with workshop loading schedules also means forward planning can be more effective. “We’ve been able to iron out the peaks and troughs that we sometimes had to endure previously,” said Thompson. “So instead of having four trucks in for service one week, and 10 the next, we’re able to ensure there are six or seven week-in, week-out.”
Although the initial plan was only to invest in a workshop management system, James Shaw is also now making use of Truckfile’s driver application for daily checks and to track trailers.
“Defect reporting is far more efficient, as Truckfile removes duplication which allows our workshop to focus on jobs that require attention most urgently. Scaled up across a fleet, that saves a huge amount of time.”