Cambridgeshire operator Whippet has overhauled its fleet management with software from Freeway Fleet Systems.
The platform is being used to oversee maintenance across the Ascendal subsidiary’s coaches and buses and its crew cars. It captures digital engineering job cards and inspection sheets, compliance management, and auto-replenishment of stock.
Immediate visibility of all daily activity on a large screen is delivered via the introduction of dashboards. Engineering Manager Scott Nicholetti (pictured) has described the step change brought by the Freeway software as “completely transformational.”
Adds Mr Nicholetti: “Previously we had very little visibility of what was going on in the workshop, but with engineers using tablets we now have live and detailed insight into everything. Engineers also take photographs while on a job, and that is particularly useful as a record of defects and work done.”
He says that the biggest benefit to Whippet of the Freeway platform is the depth of insight into costs, which was not present previously.
“We can then undertake cost analytics to minimise wastage and streamline stocks, and with visibility of maintenance histories, we can identify recurring defects, manage warranties, and use parts more efficiently.”
Ascendal UK Managing Director Jonathan Ziebart says that adoption of Freeway represents part of its plans to grow the Whippet business. Mr Ziebart has long been an advocate of franchising in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region and he says that best-in-class public transport is key to prosperity.
“From a UK perspective, we are incredibly proud of the partnerships we have in place, and we are enjoying working with our long-term partners, including Freeway in deploying its latest solutions.”
