NAILED: Scotia smash targets thanks to TomTom
Scotia Gas Networks (SGN) are hitting their strict industry service level agreements (SLAs) thanks to TomTom fleet management.
The utilities giant – who supply gas to 5.8million customers – have boosted response times to ensure engineers tackle call-outs within an hour; ensuring industry safety standards are met.
All 1,506 of the company’s vehicles and 100 contractor vehicles are monitored using the TomTom system.
This is helping guarantee that the most appropriate engineer is sent to each job, allowing the company’s Operations Control Centre (OCC) to monitor progress remotely.
Chris Stone, Finance Manager of SGN, said: “The TomTom system has provided a significant boost to service delivery, providing the necessary tools to make sure we meet our safety targets and exceed our customers’ expectations.
“Our First Call Operatives (FCOs) respond to reports of gas escapes within an hour and this system allows the process to happen even more safely and efficiently.
“Our OCC can make sure the right person is sent to each job and arrives on site on time.
“Meanwhile, our engineers can have directions sent directly to their navigation devices to drastically reduce the margin for error.”
The TomTom system uses a combination of live traffic data and historic road use data to generate accurate ETAs for every journey.
This means the most appropriate engineer can be selected based on who will arrive on site quickest rather than simply who is closest.
Directions can then be sent automatically to the engineer’s in-cab navigation device, allowing them to follow the most efficient route – avoiding traffic along the way.
SGN have also made a commitment to improving driver safety and reducing maintenance costs by monitoring driver behaviour.
TomTom’s fleet management platform allows profiles to be built for each driver covering key aspects of safe and efficient driving.
Areas including speeding, harsh steering and braking, fuel consumption and idling time are monitored – meaning substantial fuel savings for SGN.
This driver performance data has been used to support drivers on the occasions where they have been falsely accused of poor driving practice.
“Often you may think the drivers would be resistant to this kind of system but they now realise the benefits it can have for them,” added Mr Stone.
“We don’t use the data to penalise drivers but instead to discuss performance with them and many of the drivers simply didn’t realise they were cornering or braking too quickly.
“This has also helped to settle claims of reckless behaviour.
“Due to our presence on social media, we sometimes receive pictures accusing our staff of driving badly but now we have the data to provide an accurate response.”
