Vehicle tracking System - Case Study

Finding the Satellite Vehicle Tracking System that delivers all of your business needs is quite a challenge, as Chiltern Cold Storage and Distribution Ltd, Managing Director, Paul Jackson discovered.

However, after several months of extensive research, Paul and the team at Chiltern have now commissioned a brand new 'real time' satellite vehicle tracking system that they believe gives them a leading edge over the competition.

Peterborough based Chiltern, purchased the tracking system to aid the efficiency of its nationwide chilled distribution service, enabling it to monitor the exact location of its whole fleet, or an individual vehicle at any given time.

And Paul believes that Chiltern is currently the only temperature controlled distribution service that can offer customers the benefits of a 'real time' satellite tracking system.

He explains: "We did a lot of research before choosing the V-SOL system. The purchase of such a system represented a considerable investment and as such we needed to be totally convinced that we found a solution that was exactly right for us."

"To be honest I was initially unsure of the exact specifications I was looking for, but soon as I saw the V-SOL system in operation I knew it would greatly benefit the company's efficiency."

Unlike most gps satellite vehicle tracking and communication systems, the V-SOL model offers the massive advantage of easily accessible, up to date information."

Most of the systems we looked at offered a very impressive range of historical data but did not have the facility to give us bang up to date information about the exact location of every single vehicle in the fleet."

"We opted for a configuration that updates out screens automatically every 15 minutes, but we also have the flexibility to request instant updates at any time any time of the day or night."

"We have been particularly impressed with the level of technical support that comes with the system and have found the team at V-SOL to be incredibly proactive and helpful whilst we have been integrating the system into out operation."

"In addition the V-SOL system is very user friendly. It is a Microsoft Windows based package that can be utilised by anyone that has even a limited knowledge of computers."

"At any time, you can quite literally pin-point any one of our twelve vehicles by simply clicking on the map of the UK, and then follow its progress or reply where it has been for the last hour, day or even week."

"What it does mean is that when our customers pick up the phone to book a collection we can look at the system and know exactly which vehicle is closest at hand and give a very accurate collection time."

"Similarly, if a vehicle is delayed for any reason we are able to be very specific about its distance from the delivery point and give a very realistic arrival time."

"Previously we would have had to literally phone the drivers on there mobiles for an update on their whereabouts and progress, which was both time consuming and costly."

"Focusing primarily on the principal of 'real time' the satellite system is programmed to provide combined live and historical data available with the click of a button. The system monitors the whole fleet with further options to view individual vehicles, tracking progress from the coldstore throughout the journey to delivery."

"The exact time of delivery is then stored for future reference which can be utilised for report generation or even to settle timing queries."

Although Chiltern purchased the equipment to enhance efficiency, the system's other benefits were also influential in its choice of system. Incorporating route planning into the system reinforces the designer's foresight in creating case efficiency.

Integrating all programmes into the one package saves time and creates a more efficient system of data gathering. Although their are no huge financial rewards, the benefits are felt throughout the tracking process

Information is relayed from each vehicle via an unobtrusive box, no bigger than three inches, that gathers data during the journey that, in turn, provides instant access to information allowing such calculations as length of journey completed, miles left, fuel used, speed and waiting time at each collection point.

Previously all such data was compiled manually on a daily or weekly basis but thanks to V-SOL it can all be generated almost at the press of a button.

However, Paul was eager to stress that the system was not purchased primarily as a method of keeping track of drivers. "I have great trust in my drivers, each does a fantastic job, this system has been installed to make their lives easier not to check up on them."

"We have always prided ourselves at Chiltern on the efficiency and quality of our service and the introduction of the V-SOL system is already making it possible for us to work even smarter and deliver that little bit extra to our customers."

View some typical vehicle tracking scenario

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