Real-time and recorded data from Masternaut Three X's web-based vehicle tracking service is giving Roberts Bakery increased control over daily deliveries. The 123-year old company is using the latest satellite tracking technology to monitor and manage its 70-strong fleet as it delivers bread and pastry products throughout the UK.
With Masternaut, Roberts Bakery can proactively optimise delivery plans and routes and also react to customer queries by instantly accessing delivery information for each vehicle and driver.
"Masternaut gives us complete tracking visibility for the entire fleet. As each driver is equipped with a unique driver ID key, we know who is driving each vehicle both in real time as well as in the history files. This allows us to track back through our delivery records if a customer raises a query over a delivery. It saves us a huge amount of time and provides the customer with improved service," says Mark Owen, Director of Logistics, Roberts Bakery.
Currently Roberts Bakery uses vehicle tracking alongside its Paragon routing and scheduling software. By comparing live and historical fleet data against the Paragon generated plan, the transportation team can recalibrate the plan to improve efficiencies. The goal is to fully integrate Masternaut with the software via Paragon Fleet Controller. This will enable real-time vehicle activity to be tracked automatically against the planned routes and schedules.
Mark Owen also reports that the company will extend its use of the vehicle tracking system to include the GreenerFleet module, Masternaut Three X's vehicle emissions and fuel usage management tool.
"We are in the process of developing our Green Policy and we see that the Masternaut system will play a key role in helping us to achieve our plans. We can currently monitor driving speeds in real time as we track vehicles on screen and with GreenerFleet we will be able make significant improvements by reducing idling and emissions, which is not only better for the environment but it will also help reduce our fuel costs," he says.
Frank Roberts and Sons Ltd is based in the Cheshire Market town of Northwich and was established in 1887. The site is home to both branches of the business; Roberts Bakery, which produces over 2 million loaves, bread rolls and bakery treats each week and The Pastry Case, which specialises in sweet pastry products and is the UK's largest baker of gingerbread biscuits. Still run by the Roberts Family, the company is an integral part of the community and the cooling towers at the front of the bakery have become a renowned local landmark.