Dec 07/Jan/08

Two London-based courier companies in London, Excel Couriers and MPC Logistics, have started working together under a collaborative agreement, and have appointed a single mobile management solutions provider to supply technology for both operations.

The supplier, DA Systems, will be delivering its ACI (Advanced Courier Interface) and ACI Net control room and online customer interface software. Excel Courier was already using DA products, but MCI will be replacing its current system.

ACI handles scheduling and fleet management, linking the control room, the fleet and the customer, and offering real-time visibility of collections and deliveries. The system will handle communication with over 250 mobile data devices in use across the fleet.

According to Greg Hoy, managing director of Excel Couriers, harmonising the technology platform was a key element in the strategy. 'The appointment of DA Systems É is the first in a number of steps we are taking that will make both companies more competitive through collaboration,' he says.

 

'By consolidating our back-office functions and running common control room and Web interface software, we will reduce our overheads and at the same time enhance the online experience for our combined customer base.'

Almost 40 per cent of the two companies' combined customer base are already said to be booking services and tracking their consignments online, so ease of use and flexibility were among key factors in the selection of DA Systems for the operation.

The combined courier operation will have an annual turnover of more than £15 million.