BUILD: MiX solution has led to better efficiency
Bristol-based independent builders’ merchant Kellaway Building Supplies Limited are reaping safety, efficiency and economy benefits after investing in a bespoke MiX Telematics Fleet Manager solution.
The West Country firm have equipped 18 heavy rigids with truck-mounted-cranes, two concrete mixers and a van with the system, as they look to develop their fleet’s performance.
Sean Morgan, Operations and Commercial Director of Kellaway Building Supplies, said: “”In opting for a telematics solution, our overall goals were to improve safety and gain greater control over our transport fleet, which is spread around our ten depots.
“We had identified a number of concerns and business issues and MiX Telematics was able to provide answers to all our questions in a single system.
“In terms of safety, we were looking to minimise instances of the unsafe practice of trucks moving with their cranes up.
“MiX Telematics was able to incorporate the appropriate functionality into its solution.
“Now, should a driver move off without his crane stowed securely, a warning siren sounds in the cab and I receive automatically triggered email alert.
“This has had a marked effect in reducing the number of occurrences recorded.”
Kellaway also fitted their vehicles with the onboard RIBAS system, to encourage better habits among their drivers.
RIBAS is a dashboard-mounted array of five LEDs which illuminate whenever the driver exceeds a pre-programmed vehicle parameter.
The five LEDs are representative of over-revving, excessive idling, harsh braking, harsh acceleration and over-speeding.
“The most significant improvement here has been a massive reduction in idling time,” Mr Morgan added.
“Prior to fitment of RIBAS, I would estimate that 90% of our drivers allowed their vehicles to idle excessively.
“That figure is now down to something like 5%.
“Another key benefit to us is the system’s vehicle tracking feature.
“This allows our Branch Managers to monitor precisely where their vehicles are at any given time and schedule loads and routeing accordingly.
“We also use the tracking system for insurance purposes to verify a vehicle’s whereabouts at the time should any incidents involving it be reported.”
Kellaway have also invested in MiX Mobile, an innovative app which offers key features such as vehicle tracking and fleet monitoring, in a format specifically designed for smartphones.
“We find MiX Mobile a real boon to the business as it allows managers on the move to retain control over their vehicles at all time, no matter where they are,” said Mr Morgan.
