BigChange technology transforms Customer Service for Complete Shutter Services

Posted on 6 October 2017 by Martin Port

Nationwide industrial door specialist Complete Shutter Services has rolled out BigChange’s Mobile Workforce Management Technology across its operation.

Based out of Sheffield for over 30 years, the company designs, manufactures, installs and services door systems for clients including BP, Shell, The Co-Op, Waterstones and House of Fraser.

The company switched from a manual T-card system to BigChange’s All-in-one, Paperless Cloud based system that combines back-office CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Job Planning and Scheduling and a Mobile App for engineers and real-time tracking of vehicles. Managing Director Paul Quealey scoured the market for a technology solution that would take the business paperless and provide real-time visibility across the operation.

MD Paul Quealey said:

“As our business grew, planning and scheduling work became increasingly challenging and at times it was difficult to keep track of when things were due. We looked at various systems but couldn’t find anything that was the right fit. Then we discovered BigChange; it was as if I had written the software myself. It ticked all the boxes, and the integrated vehicle tracking was unlike anything we’d seen before”.

Complete Shutter Services are using an Industrial Doors specific version of the BigChange system that allows back-office users to plan, manage, schedule and track work effectively including planned maintenance and urgent reactive work. In the back-office, the system is enabling planners to respond faster to customers and is intelligently allocating work orders based on real-time engineer availability, skills, live location and parts stock. This is significantly increasing productivity; minimising customer wait time and driving first time fix at competitive cost for clients. The integrated CRM is also providing customers with a joined-up experience, thanks to automated job booking confirmations, service reminders, ETA updates on the day of service and instant access to job-cards and reports instantly after work has been completed.

Mr Quealey continued:

“Customers now expect real-time information as standard. Our back-office team were inundated with calls from clients wanting to check the status of an order or service. This led to multiple phone calls to engineers out in the field. BigChange has empowered the team with real-time information. Our use of the system has been key to winning a number of new contracts. Without the system, we’d need more administrators in the back-office, so from a commercial perspective, the technology is adding real-value for us. For me as a Managing Director, I have the confidence that we have a robust system in place to ensure we maintain our reputation for customer excellence.”

Complete’s mobile engineers benefit from an easy to use Android mobile app. They start their day by completing an electronic timesheet and vehicle check, before instantly accessing job information. Integrated sat-nav with live traffic ensures the best route is taken and customers receive proactive updates by text and email. On arrival, the app allows engineers to create instant estimates and guides them step by step through health & safety and job-specific workflows including photo capture. Proof-of-service is instantly relayed to the back office and the system generates fully branded job-cards that are automatically shared via a customer’s booking portal or via email.

Martin Port, Founder and CEO of BigChange said:

“Our technology is helping Complete Shutter Services maintain its excellent reputation and excellent levels of customer service in the marketplace. They are reaping the benefits that our scalable, cloud based system provides. We look forward to working with Paul and the team for the next 30 years and beyond.”

Boilercare 24/7 on-track to smash £1m target with the help of BigChange technology

Posted on 31 July 2017 by Martin Port

New technology is helping Cheshire based Boilercare 24/7 to smash it’s million pound revenue target by the end of 2017.

The company has rolled out BigChange’s Mobile Workforce and Job Management Platform across its plumbing operation and combines cloud based back-office CRM, job scheduling, a paperless mobile app for engineers and real-time tracking of vehicles.

Boilercare’s founder Alastair Barton was formerly a property developer and used to think that plumbers were his nemesis stating:

“Wherever I went, plumbers were my problem – they didn’t turn up, when it was cold they wouldn’t answer my phone, they disappeared for days on end and would just re-appear as if you hadn’t called them twenty times.” This led to a lightbulb moment in 2010 when Alastair saw an opportunity to deliver a superior service across Sandbach, Cheshire and South Manchester. Starting with a team of three in 2010, the plumbing business now has fourteen employees and aims to double in size over the next two years.

To realise its ambitious expansion plans, Boilercare deployed BigChange’s JobWatch system that allows back-office users to plan, manage, schedule and track work effectively including planned maintenance and urgent reactive work. In the back-office, the system is enabling planners to respond faster to customers and is intelligently allocating work orders based on real-time engineer availability, skills, live location and parts stock. This is significantly increasing productivity; minimising customer wait time and driving first time fix at competitive cost. The integrated CRM is also providing customers with a joined-up experience, thanks to automated job booking confirmations, service reminders, ETA updates on the day of service and electronic quotation and invoicing.

According to Boilercare’s founder Alastair, the new paperless technology is revolutionising the plumbing sector:

“Businesses like ours were previously overrun with paperwork; job-sheets, timesheets, sales invoices, purchase invoices and the rest. We literally had filing cabinets full of documents. Now everything is safely, securely and paperlessly backed up in the cloud and we can look back at anything on demand. The beauty of the BigChange system is that everything is in one place. Before you had to have a separate diary and jobs system, a tracking system, a CRM system and something for invoicing and quotes. You’d be crazy to work between all those separate pieces of kit. With BigChange everything is all in one place and its integrated, so we really have found Utopia.”

Boilercare’s team of Plumbers benefit from an easy to use Android mobile app. They start their day by completing an electronic timesheet and vehicle check, before instantly accessing job information. Integrated sat-nav with live traffic ensures the best route is taken and customers receive proactive updates by text and email. On arrival, the app allows team members to create instant quotes and guides them step by step through job-specific workflows. Users can search for parts and add them instantly to the job. Proof-of-service is instantly relayed to the back office and the system generates invoices, custom reports, Gas Safety certificates, legal documents and fully branded job-cards that are automatically shared via a customer’s booking portal or via email.

Alastair continued:

“The system has freed up my time to focus on growing the business, with the comfort factor that my team have a robust management system in place ensuring we are consistently delivering the kind of service that builds loyalty and customer recommendations. Ultimately I can enjoy a holiday with my family without worrying that the wheels are going to fall off the bus. It’s also enabling us to take on bigger projects – such as big multi-unit installations for some of the national housebuilders. That has put us in a different league,”

Martin Port, founder and CEO of BigChange said:

“It’s great to work with Alastair and the Boilercare team, we love working with such progressive businesses that are customer focused and really harness the benefits of our technology. Like for so many of our customers, the BigChange system is the catalyst for growth as it helps companies maintain quality and improve productivity.”

Ecommerce trailblazer Buy It Direct revolutionises its home delivery operation with BigChange

Posted on 25 July 2017 by Martin Port

Buy It Direct, one of the UK’s largest online retailers has rolled out BigChange’s JobWatch Mobile Workforce Management platform across its nationwide delivery fleet.

The Yorkshire based company whose brands include Laptops Direct and Appliances Direct delivers thousands of electrical appliances directly to consumers daily and manages end-to-end product fulfilment for national retailers including Debenhams.

BigChange’s three-in-one solution is delivering a paperless revolution for Buy it Direct and combines cloud-based delivery planning and scheduling, an Android mobile app for drivers and real-time tracking of the vehicle fleet. With fast efficient next day delivery being a key part of Buy It Direct’s offering, the company were looking for an integrated system that would deliver a truly seamless customer experience and chose BigChange after evaluating a number of competitive systems in the market.

Prior to adopting the JobWatch solution, Buy It Direct were reliant on a paper based system including paper based manifests and delivery notes that drivers were required to collect in the morning and return for processing and filing at the end of each day. Without real-time visibility of the operation, the contact centre were making multiple phone calls to drivers to check the status of deliveries.

The new solution is fully integrated with Buy it Direct’s routing software and the entire delivery process is automated on rugged Samsung tablets. At the start of each day, drivers start their timesheet and complete an electronic vehicle walkaround check, logging any defects that are automatically alerted to fleet managers. Drivers have instant access to their delivery manifest and the app navigates them efficiently from job to job, with the benefit of live Google traffic information.

Customers automatically receive a courtesy message by text message, giving them an accurate ETA for delivery. On arrival, items are scanned and verified using the JobWatch app and photos taken before, during and after each drop, providing robust proof of delivery and product condition. Custom worksheets guide the delivery team step by step through installation procedures. Additional photos are captured for installation of white goods (e.g. test washes and connection to water and waste pipes). Proof of delivery with signature is captured at the end of the process. This information is instantly relayed to the back office and customers immediately receive delivery confirmations by email.

Mick Eaton, Operations Manager for Buy It Direct said:

“The BigChange system means the delivery team and our customer contact centre are always in perfect sync. Our advisors are empowered to instantly answer any questions and have a real-time view of the operation. The robust proof of service is invaluable in dealing with customer queries and protects our drivers and the business from false damage claims or fraudulent activity.”

Buy It Direct have been able to optimise and streamline their delivery operation. The BigChange system has provided business intelligence into how long it takes to deliver specific types of products. Previously too much time was allocated to each drop, creating wasteful slack in the schedule. This new insight means that productivity has been increased with more drops taking place per vehicle per day. Capacity across the operation has been increased without the cost of additional drivers or vehicles.

The new technology has also assisted with management of the vehicle fleet, with the daily driver checks allowing robust management of defects. The live tracking system monitors and reports on driver behaviour, providing a motivational de-brief at the end of each day.

Mick Eaton added:

“Since we implemented the BigChange system, we’ve seen an improvement in fuel consumption, less vehicle wear and tear and the level of goods damaged in-transit has reduced significantly. Overall the BigChange system has been a revolution for our delivery operation and I would not hesitate to recommend it to other home delivery operators”

Martin Port, founder and CEO of BigChange said:

“We are proud to be adding such value for Buy It Direct and playing a key role in the rapid growth of their world class ecommerce operation. We look forward to being a key technology partner to the business as they continue to scale.”

Woodhouse Building Services Professionals roll out BigChange Job Management Technology to realise growth ambitions

Posted on 18 May 2017 by Martin Port

Cheshire based Woodhouse Plumbing, Heating & Electrical has rolled out BigChange’s Mobile Workforce and Job Management platform across its commercial and residential divisions.

The all-in-one cloud based system combines back-office CRM, job planning and scheduling and a paperless mobile app for engineers and real-time tracking of vehicles.

Rory Woodhouse founded the business in 2007, aged just 22 and working from a bedroom with just one apprentice and a van. Despite starting his business at the beginning of the deep ‘credit crunch’ recession, the operation has grown organically ever since and now services thousands of home and commercial customers with a 16-strong team. The business recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Woodhouse is using a plumbing and electrical specific version of the BigChange system
that allows back-office users to plan, manage, schedule and track work effectively including planned maintenance and urgent reactive work. In the back-office, the system is enabling planners to respond faster to customers and is intelligently allocating work orders based on real-time engineer availability, skills, live location and parts stock. This is significantly increasing productivity; minimising customer wait time and driving first time fix at competitive cost. The integrated CRM is also providing customers with a joined-up experience, thanks to automated job booking confirmations, service reminders, ETA updates on the day of service and electronic quotation and invoicing.

Founder and Managing Director Rory Woodhouse said:

“My vision was to bring everything together in one single joined-up system, all integrated with our Xero accounting and this is exactly what we’ve achieved with BigChange. Technology like this gives independent operators like ourselves access to the same efficiencies and competitive advantage of the ‘big players’. By managing everything consistently, it means we can grow whilst maintaining our high service commitment.”

Woodhouse’s team of Plumbers and Electricians benefit from an easy to use Android mobile app. They start their day by completing an electronic timesheet and vehicle check, before instantly accessing job information. Integrated sat-nav with live traffic ensures the best route is taken and customers receive proactive updates by text and email. On arrival, the app allows team members to create instant quotes and guides them step by step through job-specific workflows. Users can search for parts and add them instantly to the job. Proof-of-service is instantly relayed to the back office and the system generates invoices, custom reports, certificates, legal documents and fully branded job-cards that are automatically shared via a customer’s booking portal or via email.

BigChange founder and CEO Martin Port commented:

“Woodhouse is an entrepreneurial led business that has achieved great success in a short period of time. Rory identified he needed to match the company’s systems with its growth and has made a big change by harnessing our 3 in 1 JobWatch system. Rory praised our sales, implementation and RoadCrew customer service teams for delivering on their promise of a smooth installation allowing Woodhouse to quickly reap the benefits of change.”

BigChange cleans up with a 130 vehicle roll out for LPW Mobile Fleetwash

Posted on 21 April 2017 by Martin Port

The UK’s leading Commercial Vehicle Cleaning company LPW has rolled out BigChange’s 3-in-1 JobWatch system across its 130-strong fleet.

Their Mobile Fleetwash units provide convenient on-site cleaning for thousands of vehicle operators across the country including DPD, Maritime Transport, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and XPO. The all-in one JobWatch system from BigChange combines a back-office CRM system (linked to Sage 200) with job scheduling, an Android mobile app for mobile washing technicians and real-time GPS tracking of all vehicles in the fleet.

Founded in 1972, LPW have been making vehicles shine for more than 45 years and have grown to dominate the UK’s commercial vehicle cleaning market. Innovations such as the company’s Mobile Fleetwash division have brought clients the added convenience and flexibility of on-site cleaning with state of the art washing equipment and detergents. Cleaning in excess of 20,000 vehicles per week, the company identified the need to switch to a paperless and seamless approach to planning, managing and scheduling jobs, giving customers a single point of contact and the ability to make booking as easy as possible. After evaluating a number of software vendors, LPW chose JobWatch from BigChange.

The JobWatch system has revolutionised the booking and scheduling process, connecting the contact centre with mobile washing technicians in real-time. Integrated CRM ensures a single unified view of the customer across their multiple sites and individual vehicles. This has given customers a true view of cleaning KPIs and allows effective management of their cleaning plan. Intelligent scheduling allows advisers to quickly offer customers cleaning slots at a time and date to suit them, taking into account real-time technician and equipment availability, proximity to the customer and live traffic data. The intelligent scheduling engine ensures maximum flexibility for the customer whilst minimising travel time and distance, driving fuel savings and a reduction in emissions. Real-time visibility of the operation ensures contact centre advisors are empowered to answer customer questions in an instant, and automated estimated time of arrival (ETA) alerts by email and text message ensure customers are always fully informed.

BigChange technology is saving LPW hundreds of thousands of pieces of paperwork annually, replacing manual paper job-cards with electronic workflows running on a rugged waterproof Samsung Android Tablet used by each technician. Each day, technicians complete an electronic walkaround check, logging and photographing any defects that are managed to resolution via integrated fleet management functionality. On starting their timesheet, technicians have instant access to their jobs for the day with detailed information about each customer, site and vehicle. Job data is automatically loaded into the integrated sat-nav with turn-by-turn guidance and live traffic updates. On arrival, the app ensures technicians wash the correct vehicles and keeps a detailed audit trail of work completed on each car, van or truck. Photos can be captured before and after the washing process for added proof of service. On completion, customers automatically receive electronic job-cards via email, proactively confirming completion. This instant sync with the back-office means no ‘paperwork’ needs to be returned for processing and allows LPW to invoice immediately from the JobWatch system.

Daniel Woods, Group IT Director at LPW Europe commented:

“The BigChange system has been a game-changer for us. Our entire team is now seamlessly connected on one single cloud based platform and the technology is supporting our growth plans. Scheduling on-site visits to clean over 20,000 vehicles per week was proving to be a real logistical challenge but this scalable system is ensuring we can deliver a dependable and high-quality service that can be delivered at competitive cost for our clients.”

NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information please contact:
BigChange Apps: Martin Port, [email protected],
tel +44 (0)113 457 1000
Reader enquiries: email:[email protected], phone +44 (0)113 457 1000, www.bigchange.com

About BigChange

BigChange by name, BigChange by nature! BigChange is an established force in mobile workforce management and telematics, offering a system that transforms the way companies manage their mobile operations.

JobWatch from BigChange is the paperless way to plan, manage, schedule and track a mobile workforce. This powerful all-in-one Mobile Workforce Management platform combines back office software, mobile apps, fleet management and real-time vehicle tracking in one simple to use system. Using JobWatch, customers can manage their entire operation, from quote all the way through to invoice.

About LPW
LPW is the UK’s largest commercial vehicle cleaning company. They offer a fixed site cleaning services at Truck stops around the country, a Mobile on-site cleaning service nationwide and also sell vehicle cleaning products ranging from jet washes and detergent to ancillary products such as screenwash and other cleaning products. They work with their clients to find the best solution for cleaning their fleets and keeping their clients brands well represented on the UK’s roads.

For more information please visit https://www.lpweurope.com/.

BigChange awarded Mobile Technology contract for Hargreaves’ 500-strong fleet

Posted on 26 January 2017 by Martin Port

BigChange the Mobile Workforce Management technology specialist has won a contract to supply global mining, energy and logistics company Hargreaves Services Plc with its three-in-one JobWatch system, across their 500-strong fleet of specialist aggregates vehicles that includes tractors and trailers. Headquartered in Durham, Hargreaves Logistics transports over 7 million tonnes of bulk materials each year.

The turnkey solution from BigChange is introducing a paperless revolution at Hargreaves Logistics, equipping hundreds of drivers with a Samsung Android tablet that manages receipt of job instruction, electronic proof of collection and delivery, timesheets, electronic start-of-day vehicle walkaround checks, driver behaviour scoring promoting safe eco-driving, tachograph interface and Health and Safety procedures. The system is also a rich vehicle tracking system providing real-time location updates.

A full integration is in place with Hargreaves’ Stirling Solutions back-office Transport Management System meaning that planned collections and deliveries are automatically pushed through to the JobWatch system. On logging on to the JobWatch app at the start of each day, Drivers are guided to start their timesheet, conduct a walkaround check that meets DVSA requirements (recording, photographing and alerting any defects) and have instant access to the day’s run manifest.

The JobWatch system is saving the company hundreds of thousands of pieces of paper annually and has significantly improved back-office administration. Drivers used to amass multiple paper forms for each delivery and collection including delivery notes and weighbridge tickets. On return to the office, these required manual processing including scanning, filing and sending the originals back to the customer. With JobWatch, the workflow is paperless. Drivers receive accurate loading and unloading instructions, site staff complete the ‘sign on glass’ POD, and a time, date and location watermarked photo of the weighbridge ticket is captured by the driver. Proof of service is instantly relayed to the back office allowing for prompt invoicing. In addition, Hargreaves Logistics are benefiting from 24/7 on-demand RoadCrew customer service for all back office users and drivers including remote support and management of all tablets.

Andrew Spence-Wolrich, Managing Director at Hargreaves Logistics Division commented:

“JobWatch is bringing about a digital transformation for our logistics business. The JobWatch mobile App has streamlined workflows and enabled our drivers to be connected in real time with our back office. Flexibility and Integration with Stirling Solutions Transport Management System was what attracted us to JobWatch; for example we’re using the system to manage TASCC jobs and paperwork trails required for audit. This requires careful cleaning of trailers for loading with food for human consumption. JobWatch rigorously manages the workflow and ensures photographic proof of the process is saved.”

Drivers’ use of the timesheet and expense functionality on the app allows the Finance team to efficiently allocate costs to vehicles and drivers and run payroll. A timesheet reconciliation report combines drivers hours, tachograph information and vehicle tracking data. At the end of each journey drivers view their behaviour score allowing them to track their personal driving improvements and ranking.

Martin Port, Founder and CEO at BigChange commented:

“Hargreaves are embracing the JobWatch system across their logistics operation and are reaping the rewards from the technology. They are a truly future focused business and we look forward to further developing our relationship.”

Greys of Ely Brings Peace of Mind to Passengers with BigChange Online Coach Locator

Posted on 8 July 2016 by Martin Port

Greys of Ely has employed the latest technology to provide instant locations of each of its coaches, so that customers and passengers can live track their coach through a simple online app. The solution from BigChange Apps integrates on board telematics with mobile apps to power the real-time Coach Locator app on the homepage of the company’s website. This gives operations managers a continually updated view of the entire fleet and gives customers detailed information about a specific vehicle.

Richard Grey, Managing Director of Greys of Ely, commented:

“We are one of the few, if not the only coach operator, to share – free of charge, on the homepage of our own website – the real time location of every vehicle. Powered by BigChange, this is extremely useful, not only for our clients, but also for their customers – the end users of the service. We get lots of feedback from parents of children on the daily school run or longer excursions, who love the peace of mind this service offers and appreciate the real time information which allows them to accurately plan drop offs and collections.”

The tracking app is part of the JobWatch solution from BigChange. This integrated web-based solution combines back office software, mobile apps and real-time vehicle tracking in one simple to use system. It provides a paperless way to plan, manage, schedule and track Greys’ coach hire operation, and it integrates fleet management, a ‘driver productivity app’ and automated daily driver checks.

“We are long term users of vehicle telematics, and understand the significant business advantages that real time monitoring of the fleet can provide,”

continued Grey.

“However, the integration of the coach tracking app and JobWatch takes this to the next level. We have boosted our customer service beyond expectations, improved driver performance and increased efficiencies across all aspects of the operation. With support from the 24/7 RoadCrew team, we can continue to achieve day to day improvements, maintaining our award-winning service.”

BigChange founder and CEO Martin Port added,

“Outstanding customer service is something we aspire to, at all levels, and helping our customers achieve it and helping them to stand out from the crowd is even better. The innovation and business acumen shown by Greys of Ely is akin to our own, and we are proud to work with them.”

Contacts:

BigChange Apps: Alex Epstein, [email protected], tel +44 (0)113 457 1000

Reader enquiries: email: [email protected], phone +44 (0)113 457 1000, www.bigchange.com

BigChange cost-effective trailer tracking optimises Elddis fleet

Posted on 5 July 2016 by Martin Port

Specialist logistics provider Elddis is transforming the efficiency of its transport operations with a trailer tracking solution from BigChange. Fitted to 300 trailers, the company are using the system to streamline servicing, measure fleet utilisation and manage trailer availability in-real time for blue-chip FMCG clients who have specific trailer availability measures within their overall service level agreements.

“Prior to the introduction of the trailer tracking solution from BigChange, we were reliant on manual daily checks and a spreadsheet that listed the location and journey history of each trailer. Locating individual trailers was a real challenge and the manual processes resulted in up to 4 hours of additional administration each day.” commented Richard Toner, Commercial Director at Consett based Elddis. “The trailer tracking solution from BigChange has completely automated this process and gives us true visibility across the operation.”

Elddis now receive real-time alerts when the number of trailers at a customer site drops below an agreed threshold, enabling them to rapidly make additional deliveries. One of their confectionary clients requires 7 trailers to be on site at any one time so the system is essential in responding rapidly to customer needs. Elddis also uses the solution to manage the servicing requirements of the trailer fleet, with a daily location report enabling the effective scheduling of routine activities and live tracking assisting with the rectification of defects and adherence to the company’s re-torque policy.

With sophisticated KPI reporting, Elddis is now receiving reliable data on trailer utilisation across the fleet, enabling robust and accurate capacity planning and streamlining of the trailer pool.

According to Commercial Director Richard Toner, Elddis evaluated a number of solutions but chose BigChange based on its superior user interface and hardware. “From the start we had total confidence in BigChange’s ability to deliver and our team favoured the easy and intuitive look and feel of the system. Our customers recognise and appreciate the added value that BigChange is helping us to deliver. In terms of return on investment, we expect the solution will be self-funding through better utilisation and reduction of the overall trailer pool.”

BigChange founder and CEO Martin Port added “The Elddis business is over 40 years old, with family heritage dating back over 100 and is the choice provider to some of the world’s most respected FMCG businesses. We look forward to continuing our partnership and providing Elddis with further benefits.”

Contacts:
BigChange Apps: Alex Epstein, [email protected], tel +44 (0)113 457 1000
Reader enquiries: email: [email protected], phone +44 (0)113 457 1000, www.bigchange.com

BigChange JobWatch takes ALTIDA Crane Hire to New Heights

Posted on 31 May 2016 by Martin Port

Mobile crane hire company ALTIDA is improving the efficiency of its transport operations with a Mobile Workforce Management solution from BigChange. Used to schedule, route and monitor the company’s fleet of mobile cranes and lifting gear, the single platform back office, mobile app and tracking solution is already reducing administration, improving customer service and supporting financial control. With the significant management benefits provided by JobWatch, the system is set to underpin major expansion of the business being planned later this year.

“Prior to the introduction of JobWatch we relied on paper – paper planning, paper maps, paper time sheets, paper service reports, paper invoices,” commented Shane Stephen Hill, Group Operations Manager at Chesterfield based ALTIDA. “With JobWatch this is now all automated. A schedule is created, routes produced and communicated to drivers via their PDA’s. We can monitor vehicles and driver behaviour, accurately record onsite activity and answer customer queries promptly. This is reducing back office administration, improving the efficiency of our mobile operation and supporting business growth.”

ALTIDA uses JobWatch to schedule and route its fleet of mobile cranes, lifting gear and supporting service team. By automating the scheduling and communication of hire contracts and service requests, ALTIDA has reduced back office administration and improved route planning, allowing drivers to amend and share sometimes otherwise unmapped or hard to find locations with other drivers. This is already realising improvements in efficiency and reducing unnecessary mileage.

With real time monitoring of vehicles and driver behaviour, ALTIDA is also able to respond quickly to queries or requests from either drivers or customers, and accurately record onsite activity for more precise invoicing. The automation of timesheets and invoicing is also improving cash flow through the business, as the accounts department no longer has to wait for driver operators to return to base to get timesheet information.

“Although we are already achieving a return on our investment, we are just scratching the surface of the enormous functionality offered by JobWatch,” continued Shane. “With the ongoing support of BigChange, especially the 24/7 RoadCrew team, we know we have the management processes and infrastructure to support growth and an expansion in services offered.”

BigChange founder and CEO Martin Port added, “ALTIDA is an ambitious company with exciting plans for the future and we are delighted to support them as they continue to grow and diversify.”

Nixon Hire Boosts Mobile Workforce Productivity by 20 Percent with BigChange JobWatch

Posted on 10 March 2016 by Martin Port

Plant and equipment specialist, Nixon Hire, has transformed its customer service and boosted the productivity of its mobile workforce using JobWatch from BigChange Apps.

Following the implementation of the Mobile Workforce Management solution, Nixon has seen a 20 percent increase in productivity across its mobile workforce. The leading provider of plant, tools, accommodation units, portable toilets and site equipment has also boosted customer service, with a significant increase in On Time Arrivals and a rise in the number of jobs completed at first attempt.

JobWatch from BigChange Apps offers a paperless way to plan, manage, schedule and track Nixon’s mobile workforce. This powerful web-based platform combines back office software, mobile apps, fleet management and real-time vehicle tracking in one simple to use system.

“With the support of JobWatch, every one of our fitters has boosted their productivity by around 20 percent. This allows us to further absorb company growth and efficiently deploy the current resources we have before we look at recruiting additional resources,” commented Graham Wood, Group Logistics Manager at Nixon Hire. “We get to where we need to be, when we need to be there, and we do what we say we are going to. This is also improving our customer service levels – evidenced by an increase in On Time Arrivals by more than 10 percent and a rise in First Attempt Job Completions by more than 5 percent.”

Since the introduction of JobWatch, paper forms and schedules have been replaced with automated electronic workflows that ensure the back office is completely in sync with the mobile workforce. Nixon Hire’s engineers and delivery drivers receive work orders instantly via the JobWatch smartphone app, ensuring they have to hand all the necessary information to complete the delivery, service call or collection. This is also reducing the requirement to return to the depot to collect work order paperwork or order parts.

The JobWatch solution, which links to Nixon Hire’s existing MCS-rm hire management system, has also allowed Nixon Hire to centralise the booking of service and maintenance requests. This gives customers a single point of contact. Work orders can be allocated intelligently – taking into account engineer skills, proximity and existing jobs, for example, minimising customer wait times and ensuring first time fix.

BigChange founder and CEO Martin Port added, “JobWatch is adding tremendous value and return on investment for Nixon Hire, and the results really speak for themselves. The system has given the company a truly flexible and scalable solution that is a real source of competitive advantage.”

In addition to the boosts in productivity and customer service, JobWatch is supporting Nixon Hire’s duty of care for its mobile workforce with enforced daily vehicle checks, driver behaviour monitoring and motivational encouragement.