Nov/Dec 2005

The Co-Operative Group is fitting a telematics and tracking system from Microlise in 1,000 delivery vehicles operating from 17 distribution centres in what is described as a multi-million pound contract. It just pips a Fowler-Welch implementation to the post as possibly the biggest project of its kind in the UK this year (see separate news story in this issue of m.logistics).

The system will handle a variety of functions, including real-time monitoring of vehicle positions, delivery schedule adherence monitoring, proof of delivery management, and continuous monitoring of the temperature in the trailer.

In addition, the system will provide drivers with last-mile satellite navigation, and will monitor the way the vehicles are being driven, using what Microlise calls "soft telematics".

The contract includes an initial five-year support and maintenance agreement, and will be delivered through Co-operative Retail Logistics, the delivery arm of the Co-Operative Group, which provides a central distribution service to all Co-op societies. It will be implemented on a depot-by-depot basis over the coming months.