Leading biscuit and snack foods manufacturer United Biscuits (UB) is saving GBP 200,000 per year through the application of innovative web-based satellite vehicle tracking for its fleet of trucks. The Masternaut Three X solution utilises Microsoft Virtual Earth mapping technology to accurately locate and efficiently manage the vehicles in real time. This optimises the use of resources, makes for improved driving styles and fuel consumption, reduces unnecessary engine idling, improves driver safety and supports UB’s green credentials.
The overall benefits of the system to UB include a seven per cent improvement in fuel consumption, saving GBP 80,000 a year; more efficient fleet management leading to a reduction in the number of trailers, thereby cutting GBP 10,000 a year; better management of contractors, saving GBP 70,000 a year; and real-time planning ability, which saves an estimated GBP 40,000 a year.
In addition, the Virtual Earth mapping utilised by the Masternaut Three X solution helps direct drivers to exact destinations which has helped the company reduce lorry miles by three million miles over four years. The system has also decreased fleet emissions by almost 20 per cent, through the use of direct routes and driving skills improvements, and driver safety has been enhanced significantly as the fleet management team knows the exact location of each vehicle and driver.
“With Virtual Earth we know exactly where our vehicles are – and where they should be. We have improved efficiency, decreased working capital, and dramatically increased green benefits,” said Rob Wright, UB’s National Logistics Controller.
The live tracking system helps to administer 200 trailers, 25 tractor units and 50 drivers plus additional resources from contractors. The system utilises electronic ID keys for each driver, giving controllers automatic verification of the driver. With contractor vehicles and drivers, the trailer units are powered and activated on coupling so that all loads are tracked and must follow routes set by UB. The amount of fleet control the system delivers is significant – in particular the ability to geofence customer sites.This feature records the precise time of arrival of a UB vehicle on site, the length of time it is on site, and the time of departure.
“Our choice of product was assured by the service level agreement of guaranteed up time provided by Microsoft. Also, with Masternaut Three X hosting the solution, it can look after all our maintenance and security needs,” said Wright.
Masternaut Three X
Tel: 0113 2814457
www.masternaut.co.uk
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