April/May 2008

Manitowoc, which is said to be one of the world's largest suppliers of lifting equipment for the construction industry, is replacing the manual job despatch and management system used by its UK subsidiary with an automated system from AirVersent.

The supplier's ServiceNet system is intended to provide job despatch, reporting and proof of service functionality, giving control and visibility of both central and field workflow processes, and connecting wirelessly with PDA-equipped field engineers.

The contract has been brokered by local communications specialist CCS Mobile, AirVersent's North East regional business partner, which will provide the airtime contracts as well as supplying and supporting the mobile PDAs.

Stuart McCombie, admin manager for the UK's Manitowoc Crane Care customer service operation, says the company will benefit from being able to view engineer comments captured on the job, 'and we will be able to respond much more quickly as the system works in real time.'

Manitowoc manufactures lattice-boom crawler cranes, tower cranes, mobile hydraulic crane, and articulating and telescoping cranes that are built, sold and serviced at multiple locations in five continents. The UK service operation in Sunderland and Uxbridge has more than 25 engineers providing specialist care, repair and maintenance throughout the country.