Part of the installation of new management software from Freeway, the tablets are being introduced to enable workshop engineers to replace paperwork with electronic inspection reports and job cards.
Andrew Williams, TDW’s managing director, describes the system as “a significant step forward” for the management of its 90-vehicle and 185-trailer fleet.
“The software provides a host of really useful features that will allow us to improve efficiency and maintain a tighter control on quality, costs and compliance,” he says.
“In the workshop, the tablets link directly to the Freeway system and allow easy data capture; they will eliminate subsequent keying in, improve transparency and reduce errors.”
Freeway’s software is integrated with TDW’s Mandata transport management system, providing visibility into the availability and status of every vehicle in the fleet. Freeway also provides fleet analytics, stock control with cyclic stock checks, and smartphone apps for stock takes. It also allows outsourced maintenance to be tracked for better management and cost control.
“One really useful feature offered is Freeway’s Fleet Analytics,” adds Williams.
“Here we accurately analyse the productivity and efficiency of the fleet with graphical reports to identify trends across time, vehicle manufacturer and location. It means we can quickly pinpoint areas of excessive costs, whether they be high fuel consumption, inferior parts, unproductive use of labour or poor driving.”