OXFORD, UK

Codegate’s complete mobility solution is enabling A-Plant to demonstrate that it is exceeding contracted service level agreements (SLAs), to key account customers. Codegate’s mobilelogistics software, running on Motorola MC70 rugged mobile computers is being deployed throughout A-Plant, the UK’s second largest Plant, Tool and Equipment Hire company.

“Codegate’s expertise is based around its ability to tailor solutions that meet the individual requirements of its customers. In A-Plant’s case Codegate’s skilled software developers were able to develop a solution that was simple, but at the same time, delivered all the functionality we required,” explained Andy Wortley, IT Director for A-Plant. “Crucially, Codegate’s mobilelogistics software, designed to support the dynamic services delivered by companies operating in the transport and logistics sector, has allowed us to reduce the amount of data input necessary and our users are able to quickly and easily operate the MC70s via a user friendly touch screen process.”

Codegate worked closely with A-Plant to develop a customised solution that allows A-Plant’s drivers to complete vehicle checks, to ensure compliance with Government guidelines on health and safety requirements, before selecting a choice of job tasks to be completed. The driver selects whether he or she is to make a delivery or collection, carry out an exchange or attend a breakdown or perform a service. All tasks are completed utilising unique contract numbers or plant IDs for job and data validation and all are date and time stamped.

“Codegate’s software combined with the MC70 allows our users to carry out barcode scanning, image capture, electronic signature capture via sign on glass capability, and real-time data communications from the field back to A-Plant’s back office systems via GRPS,” added Wortley.

“The combined capability of the mobility solution enables us to prove key performance indicators (KPIs) and meet the reporting procedures demanded by our key account customers. We are able to demonstrate that we are meeting SLAs through accurate reporting on job type, the date and time it was completed, with electronic signature capture as proof of delivery or job completion,” continued Wortley. “The imaging capability of the MC70 allows us to provide picture evidence of damage caused to its equipment and the ability to recoup the cost of repair without dispute.”

A-Plant had previously trialled a mobile enterprise solution that would help the company to improve its business efficiency through the capture of vital information from its mobile workforce. But, the software was found to be over complicated and resulted in A-Plant encountering problems with user acceptance. However, a workable solution had to be found.

“We looked at ‘tidying’ up the original solution with our internal IT team but realised that the quickest and most cost effective route would be to work with a specialised mobile data solution provider,” commented Wortley. “Codegate was recommended to us and when we understood that the company had vast experience in successfully deploying large enterprise mobility solutions, had a competitive pricing structure, could deliver a solution that met our mobility requirements today, and those of tomorrow, and had strong relationships with rugged hardware manufacturers, chose it as our preferred supplier.”

A-Plant has currently deployed the Codegate mobile solution on 250 MC70’s across 28 of its Service Centres and is looking to further extend the roll out of the solution and to deploy it to other business areas such as its workshops.