Lothian is to use software from Freeway Fleet Systems to boost safety and reliability across its fleet of 730 buses.
The solution from the supplier, which will be rolled out in three phases, provides an all-in-one solution to manage workshops, defects, stores, purchasing and compliance.
The already-completed first phase has led to the digitisation of stores and purchasing, improving efficiency around 25 years of inventory data.
Automation of tasks has seen the removal of paperwork in many areas of the business, which carries around 110 million passengers per year in Edinburgh and the surrounding area.
“The initial implementation of Freeway in stores has been a real success as we’ve streamlined everything and it’s much easier to manage,” says Colin Barnes, Engineering Director of Lothian Buses. “The whole purchasing process is also much better, especially as Freeway’s handy app means we view everything, from anywhere and anytime on a smartphone.”
Phase two, which is now under way, is streamlining operations in the workshop. Engineers have begun to be equipped with mobile devices which, with Freeway’s apps, enable digital versions of job cards, inspection sheets, and other paperwork.
The system will eventually also automate Lothian’s Earned Recognition submissions to the DVSA.
Phase three will involve driver walk-round checks.
“Digitisation is by far the most exciting development,” says Barnes. “For the first time, we are not only getting real-time updates from the workshop but the data is always complete, consistent and accurate.
“Freeway ensures best work practice and that’s important for meeting our objectives of continually improving safety and reliability.
“Freeway gives us full 24/7 control and as, we begin to collect more and more data digitally, we’ll be able to generate increasingly useful reports and take advantage of the AI and the business intelligence tools Freeway are developing.
“We’ll increasingly be able to predict issues and move toward much more preventative maintenance that will help us further improve vehicle reliability.”
