Logistics UK: Five Years Of Successful Vehicle Inspection Services Scheduling With VISITOUR
Reading, UK, 30 May 2024 – Logistics UK has recently marked its fifth successful year utilising VISITOUR real-time scheduling software. The organisation first implemented the software in 2019 to transform the safety and efficiency of its Vehicle Inspection Services and the partnership has grown from strength to strength delivering significant benefits for Logistics UK and its members.
Maximise uptime in field service: Critical safety inspections and business continuity
Logistics UK is the only organisation in the UK to represent the entire logistics industry, with more than 20,000 members across all modes of transport. It represents the interests of its members in all matters that affect the sector, from cross-border logistics, to rail freight costs, to campaigning around UK fuel duty. It also provides training, business services and compliance advice to members.
As part of this offering, Logistics UK is the largest national supplier of field-based vehicle inspection services.
Until the deployment of VISITOUR, field engineers managed their own working diaries on a regional basis. This process was a heavy time investment which reduced the time available for engineers to visit members and complete inspections.
Alex Lester, General Manager Customer Operations at Logistics UK comments, “We required a system that was able to manage our engineers’ time centrally, improve safety and visibility, shorten travel times and allow the engineers to have utilised days without compromising the service we provide to our members.”
Logistics UK looked at four providers of scheduling and route optimisation software before deciding on Solvares Field Service. VISITOUR optimises appointments in real-time in the most efficient way possible, matching the right engineer with the right job according to multiple variables. These include predicted job duration, engineer location, availability and skill set, and speed profiles for accurate journey time with predicted traffic. Scheduling rules and priorities are fully adaptable to changing needs without assistance from Solvares.
The solution also included MOBILE FLOW to facilitate communication between engineers and office staff and provide automated warnings if an appointment might be missed.
Through meetings we observed that Solvares maintains an ongoing, close working relationship with partners after implementation, ensuring that the software continues to have a positive impact on the business. We were drawn to their collaborative and professional approach.
From day one we worked closely with the Solvares consultants, feeling assured and united. Together, we smoothly moved through each project phase thanks to their clear, professional workshops that defined all roles and expectations."
The solution was deployed to a pilot area, processes reviewed and refined, and then rolled out to all 80 engineers.
Alex continues;
It took time for the adjustment to Solvares and we continue to work on our processes to ensure we balance our three key areas – Engineer satisfaction, Customer service levels and efficiency. We have now managed to maintain over 90% service level – something greatly appreciated by our members. The use of the MOBILE FLOW app on mobile devices ensures accuracy and safety information which we rely on greatly as safety is at the top of our agenda.
Since deployment Solvares has taken a continuous improvement approach with regular review workshops, implementing changes which have gone on to achieve additional value.
"The utility of VISITOUR was further evident during the pandemic, enabling us to manage the ever changing volumes of work with continually changing availability from clients. Since then we have extended use of the system to include our On Site Compliance and Consultancy and Standards teams, which has proven flexible for the needs of each scenario."