The web-based system is being used to optimise the use of its fleet of rigid trucks and tractor units. Making an average of 108,000 deliveries a year across the UK, Bowker has seen significant performance gains as well as a reduction in engine idling, with an improvement in fuel usage.
"We are gaining a lot of benefits from the system - visibility of vehicles and drivers being the key to a very successful implementation, together with all the reporting functionality it provides. This allows us to constantly evaluate and improve our performance in terms of deliveries as well as vehicle usage - and has assisted in optimising the usage of the fleet," says Chris Kay, the company's Group IT Manager.
"We needed a real-time system that would integrate easily with our Manpack3 transport system. The Masternaut tracking and X Delivery system was, therefore, a natural choice. The system is fully hosted, therefore, it is cost-effective and we don't need to worry about software updates or other IT management as this is handled by Masternaut Three X," he adds.
The web-based Masternaut Three X solution gives Bowker a live view of its vehicles and drivers, enabling the fleet management team to monitor actual progress against plans and schedules. This allows Bowker to optimise its transport planning and provide improved customer service.
"The system gives us a clear view of all transport activities. It allows us to link specific drivers to particular vehicles and monitor their progress as they travel from one delivery to another. We can then adjust our plans accordingly, and if we need to we can alert customers of changes to their delivery times.
Among its transport and warehousing offerings, Bowker provides specialist chemical logistics. The system therefore also provides added security for environmentally sensitive materials during transit. By using the Masternaut GreenerFleet software tool Bowker can also monitor and manage engine idling and vehicle speed, and with these greener credentials the company is winning new business from other environmentally conscious customers.
Bowker's 15 acre Preston depot is a lower tier COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) site where the company provides specialist storage and handling facilities for most classifications of hazardous substances. Because safety and security are of prime importance, all aspects of the operations are supervised by highly experienced, full-time Dangerous Goods Safety Advisers. Bowker also undertake SQAS (Safety and Quality Assessment System) Attestation every three years where all its systems and procedures are independently audited and verified.