Aug/Sept 2007

Wales & West Utilities is replacing a legacy vehicle tracking system right across its fleet with a more advanced system from DigiCore. The supplier's C-track system will be fitted in 750 vans used by field service teams operating from the Welsh borders to Cornwall.

The company is involved in gas distribution in Wales and the South West of England, and is responsible for around 34,000 km of gas pipeline. It says it wanted a tracking system that offered more in terms of functionality and usability than the system it had before.

There are various advances in the Digicore product, it says. For instance, it will include enhanced mileage monitoring. When linked to existing servicing schedules, this capability will enable Wales & West to manage its maintenance requirements better.

The system will also be integrated with the company's despatch system to optimise workflow management. This added capability will allow Wales & West to monitor resource availability and improve work allocation by identifying the most suitable vehicle for each job.

 

Workforce security is another priority, and the new system will include a panic alarm capability. The chosen solution includes both in-vehicle and mobile handheld devices to enable employees - especially lone workers - to alert the company of any potential problems or incidents.

Mark Oliver, the head of business performance, adds that the new 'has the flexibility to adapt to our changing requirements and handle future business and operational needs.'