Business Challenge
Solstor UK's transport operations involve providing inbound and outbound support for customers nationwide. Dealing in perishable and chilled produce for grocery multiples gives rise to a need for timely collections and deliveries, and it is therefore important for the company to know the position of its vehicles at all times if it is to optimise the utilisation of its fleet.
Also, with fuel costs accounting for up to 35 percent of operational costs, Solstor UK was keen to ensure its drivers operate as fuel-efficiently as possible.
The decision was taken to invest in a fleet management system which would fulfil its two key objectives of providing the company's traffic office with real-time vehicle positioning information and while also monitoring the performance of its drivers and vehicles.
How MiX Telematics helped
By installing its Fleet Manager system to a total of 53 vehicles in the Solstor UK fleet, MiX Telematics has delivered a fleet management solution which both meets Solstor UK's original requirements and has helped bring about major operational efficiency gains.
The tracking aspect of the system provides the Solstor UK transport management team with detailed information on the whereabouts of every truck in the programme and is relied upon today as a key tool in helping allocate loads and schedule deliveries and collections.
The vehicle and driver data captured by the system is used by the company's team of four driver trainers to identify which of the company's drivers require additional training in order to get the best from their trucks. These drivers are mentored by the trainers, with significant fuel savings being realised as a result.
Results Obtained
- Reliable and dependable vehicle tracking system now in daily use
- Consequent improvement in fleet utilisation and efficiency in operation
- 12 percent reduction in fuel consumption
- Carbon footprint reduced accordingly
- Wear and tear down across fleet
- Driver and vehicle movements known at all times
- Customers appreciate the increased control of loads and delivery times
About MiX Telematics Fleet Manager solutions
Every MiX Telematics Fleet Manager solution combines leading-edge fleet management technology with clear and simple reporting. Located at the heart of the system is FM Communicator, MiX Telematics' on-board data computer which can be set to gather a range of information relating to driver and vehicle performance.
By capturing and comparing the driving styles of staff, the system can be used in conjunction with an appropriate driver training programme to bring about dramatic reductions in fuel consumption. Typically, the information Fleet Manager provides can be used to derive fuel savings of approximately ten percent.
Having visibility of every driver's performance also enables operators to address issues such as over-revving and harsh acceleration and braking, all of which when controlled can lead to lower accident rates, reduced wear and tear and maintenance costs.
For the fleet manager, information is delivered direct to the desktop via FM Web, MiX Telematics' secure internet-based reporting suite. Available 24/7, FM Web can be customised to automatically generate individually-tailored reports at a time of the operator's choosing.
And to help drivers out on the road, the optional MiX Telematics RIBAS display delivers instant feedback by providing an on-board visual indicator as to driving style. Whenever one of RIBAS' parameters is exceeded, a light is illuminated to inform the driver:
R over Revving
I excessive Idling
B harsh Braking
A harsh Acceleration
S over Speeding
Every Fleet Manager solution comes with the full backing and support of MiX Telematics. From setup and integration into existing operations, through to providing advice on introducing the system to drivers and interpreting the results, MiX Telematics' consultants work closely with operators to help maximise the return on investment in the shortest possible time frame.
