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UK-based Thetford International has deployed a mobile service management system equipping field service engineers with tablets connected in real-time to central management systems.

Established for 50 years, Thetford International is a founder member of CHEM, the Container Handling Equipment Manufacturers Association. The company has become a market leader in the design and manufacture of all types of compaction equipment, supplying to a diversity of sectors, from the print industry and supermarkets to industrial complexes, recycling centres and refuse transfer stations.

 

Thetford uses JobWatch, the BigChange solution for managing mobile service operations using live-connected mobile devices running a multi-functional app to replace all paperwork, integrated with vehicle tracking to monitor the fleet and drivers.  As well as replacing nine A4 carbon-copy installation and service forms, the JobWatch 5 in 1 app is also used for engineer time sheets, risk assessments, driver vehicle checks and the management of parts.

 

Thetford carries out routine maintenance of compactors but the majority of work is reactive and requires a fast response due to the safety concerns of potentially dangerous equipment.  Job details are sent to the assigned engineer to complete with JobWatch managing the entire process from start to job completion. 

 

“We had been on the lookout for a suitable system for a numbers of years but nothing seemed to exist that really combined the tracking and field service reporting needs,” says Andrew Goddard, Service Manager, Thetford International. “The BigChange solution is very flexible and adaptable and we were able to tailor it to meet our needs.”

 

JobWatch has been integrated with Thetford’s own bespoke IT system called Onsite providing asset register synchronisation and the seamless interchange of data between the systems. According to Thetford, the biggest benefits are financial and in particular with regard to invoicing.

 

“Previously it could take up to 3 weeks to raise an invoice. Now we do it next day and potentially we could do it the same day,” explains Goddard.  “JobWatch ensures invoices are accurate and are in line with what the customer is expecting and as they are received soon after the job, there are many fewer queries and payment is always quicker.”

 

Thetford’s engineers cover the UK working from their homes.  With vehicle tracking fitted to the fleet of Ford Transit vans, BigChange provides an automated ‘clocking in and clocking out’ system.  With van often stocked with thousands of pounds of parts, it also offers added security and driver monitoring and rating has also encouraged safer driving; important as engineers travel as much as 40,000 miles a year.       

 

JobWatch has also been developed to manage Thetford’s stock control with engineers using their tablets to record parts used.  With around 400 individual parts, the system automatically replenishes stocks with deliveries to engineer collection points.     

 

“Previously the vast majority of information was held in people’s heads and by introducing BigChange we have brought all that knowledge into one place.  It all works very well and seamlessly with our other systems. The whole service operation just runs a lot more smoothly and our customers – and the company Accountant – are a lot happier!” Goddard adds.

Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) supplier GasTech has incorporated BigChange's cloud-based management system.

GasTech, based in Newcastle, has issued its engineers with rugged cloud-connected technology to assist with its 24 hours a day, seven days a week operation which includes the supply, install and service of HVAC. 

The platform, JobWatch, allows workers to carry out risk assessments and method statements and gives access to procedures, manuals, job cards and quotations, which are synced to GasTech's central office system.

The firm's fleet operation is monitored with vehicle tracking, producing real-time data for customer services. Client history information is accessible to the engineers who can look up previous work on-site. A live spare-parts manifest give workers an accurate overview of what parts are available in the company and also in other vans.

GasTech's Gareth Firth commented on the advantages a paper-free process brings to the business. "With our growing workload we knew we needed to reduce the time engineers spent filling out forms," the firm's Director said. "We undertook extensive research into the available systems on the market and it was clear BigChange was very easy to use and would take away the administrative headaches from engineers so they could be more productive."

BigChange, the mobile workforce technology company, has appointed Frederic Dupeyron to oversee its expansion in mainland Europe. 

Having served as a non-executive director at BigChange since it was founded, Dupeyron joined the company on a full-time basis at the beginning of February as Executive Vice President for Europe.

He is tasked with establishing BigChange subsidiaries in mainland Europe and its expansion across the region. Frederic Dupeyron, who will report directly to BigChange's CEO, Martin Port, has held several senior leadership positions for European transportation and technology organisations over the last 20 years.

He was CEO at Masternaut prior to its acquisition by Francisco Partners in 2012 and previously served as CEO of Hub One and ADP Management, subsidiaries of French airport operator Groupe ADP. Frederic Dupeyron began his career working in finance, serving in the Transport Finance Team at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and then as Director of Corporate Finance at Aéroports de Paris. 

Martin Port, founder and CEO of BigChange, said: “2019 is going to be a huge year for BigChange as we ramp up our activities around the world. I’ve worked with Frederic for many years and am delighted that he is joining BigChange on a full-time basis to lead our charge into mainland Europe.” 

Frederic Dupeyron added: “I’ve seen BigChange go from strength-to-strength since it was launched and I am excited the opportunity now exists for me to focus my efforts on boosting its business in mainland Europe. BigChange’s multilingual technology is already transforming mobile workforce operations on the continent, and there are huge growth opportunities for the company there.”

BigChange acquires two companies: Labyrinth Logistics Consulting and Trace Systems to gain world-class software and consulting expertise with strategic acquisitions whilst strengthening their team and service offering; adds over 100 organisations to customer base

BigChange, the mobile workforce technology company, today announced that it has gained valuable new software and consulting capabilities, as well as over 100 new customers, with the acquisition of two UK-based businesses.

BigChange has acquired Labyrinth Logistics Consulting, an award-winning supply chain and logistics consultancy based in Royal Leamington Spa. Labyrinth provides logistics strategy, compliance and procurement consultancy, alongside a self-audit software application called SilkThread^®, to major transport, logistics, FMCG, and retail organisations in the UK. 

Its directors, Ruth Waring and Jo Godsmark, will join BigChange’s leadership team and spearhead a new consulting arm called BigChange Advisory Plus 

BigChange has also acquired Trace Systems, an established provider of fleet, garage and workshop management software. Trace works with fleet operators across the UK, including plant hire and haulage companies, local authorities and the emergency services. 

The acquisition of Trace, which is based in Coventry, provides BigChange with a world-class asset and stock management capabilities that will be integrated into BigChange’s JobWatch platform. Trace’s founder, Bill Davies, will work as an advisor to BigChange.

Speaking on the acquisitions Martin Port, founder and CEO of BigChange, commented: “We are delighted to complete the acquisitions of Labyrinth and Trace. These businesses are the first that BigChange has acquired since it was launched in 2013 and provide us with more fantastic people, world-class technology, amazing new customers and multi-million revenue boost. They represent a significant milestone for our business and a major boost to our scale up plans.”

Ruth Waring, Managing Director of Labyrinth Logistics Consulting, also commented, saying: “We are very excited to be part of BigChange. It is a strong, growing business that complements our offering very well indeed. As part of BigChange, we can develop a more comprehensive consultancy offering and take it to many more organisations around the world.”

Whilst Bill Davies, Founder of Trace Systems, commented: “Having built a business over 30 years we see the sale of Trace Systems to BigChange as the next chapter in our development.  It will allow us to transform our fleet, garage and workshop software to take full advantage of the latest cloud and mobile technology pioneered by BigChange. This will provide fantastic opportunities for our existing and future customers.”

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KPMG and Blacks Solicitors advised BigChange

For both acquisitions, BigChange was advised by Graham Pearce, Head of Technology at KPMG,  Nigel Hoyle & Richard Parr Partners at Blacks Solicitors in Leeds. Graham Pearce, Head of Technology at KPMG, comments: “I’m thrilled to have helped BigChange cement its position as a leading vendor, adding these exciting capabilities to its portfolio. With these two acquisitions, BigChange will continue to be at the forefront of technology in the UK and the rest of the world.”

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Komatsu Forest, the sole supplier for Komatsu timber harvesting equipment in the UK and Ireland, is reaping the rewards having implemented a Mobile Workforce Management solution from BigChange Apps. Since introducing JobWatch, Komatsu Forest estimates it has improved operational efficiency with engineers achieving a three percent gain in productivity. Customer service has been boosted with same day reporting and timely invoicing, and the company has also improved health and safety compliance with automated vehicle checks and risk assessments.

David McIlwraith, Managing Director of Komatsu Forest Ltd, commented, “This was a completely new system for us. For years we have been running our business on spreadsheets, and this resulted in a high level of admin due to the paper trail produced. We were also in the market for vehicle tracking but knew we wanted to everything through a single system.”

[quote float="left"]“On the few occasions we have needed it, the 24/7 RoadCrew support has been excellent; good response times and regular updates.” [/quote]JobWatch from BigChange Apps offers a paperless way to plan, manage, schedule and track Komatsu’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.

Prior to the introduction of JobWatch, Komatsu operated a paper based reporting system with engineers completing paper timesheets and job reports – often late and with varying competency. This information was then manually entered into a number of different systems, for example, customer invoicing and payroll. Since implementing JobWatch, Komatsu Forest estimates it has saved in region of 1,000 man hours per year through the automation of essential documents and timesheets. Customer service has improved as service reports are filed on the same day the work is completed, and invoices are issued more promptly, improving the business’s cash flow.

“We now handle all documentation and all time management through JobWatch,” continued McIlwraith. “This includes vehicle checks, timesheets, risk assessments, job cards, machine inspection reports and much more. When we need it, JobWatch will also handle our stock control and invoicing, and we have even had the system adapted to cover workshop usage too. Literally, our engineers do not need to pick up a pen – everything is done at the touch of a screen.

“On the few occasions we have needed it, the 24/7 RoadCrew support has been excellent; good response times and regular updates.”

BigChange founder and CEO Martin Port added, “Securing tangible returns on investment for our customer is what BigChange and JobWatch are all about, and working with businesses like Komatsu Forest to achieve this is truly rewarding.”

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Over 300 service companies are now using its paperless 3-in-1 JobWatch field service solution, reports UK mobile workforce management solutions BigChange.

Launched three years ago, JobWatch was developed to give field service businesses of any size everything they need to plan, manage, schedule and track their mobile workforce. The easy to use, simple to implement system combines back-office, mobile app and real-time vehicle and resource tracking in a single cloud based solution.  It provides end-to-end management of the entire service process from quotation all the way through to invoice including intelligent planning and scheduling. A whole mountain of paperwork is replaced with automated workflows on the JobWatch app that guides mobile engineers or drivers through all their tasks.

According to BigChange’s CEO and founder Martin Port, JobWatch aims to bring mobile workforce management technology to the thousands of small, medium and large businesses that still operate using manual paper based processes:

“Historically this technology has been out of reach for SMEs given the cost and perceived complexity. JobWatch is a game-changer for these businesses, giving them the power of a ‘big enterprise’ system but with incredible simplicity, affordability and customisability.”

Among the users are nationwide hire companies Nixon and Elliott Hire who are using JobWatch to streamline the servicing of equipment and portable toilets  across the UK. The Forestry arm of Komatsu uses JobWatch to manage the servicing of huge timber felling and processing machinery.

JobWatch is proving to be a growth catalyst for startups such as waste and recycling specialist Clearabee who adopted the system back in 2013 when they had a single vehicle. Their business has grown rapidly and the company now serves over 30,000 nationwide clients across 15 sites with a team of 50 employees.

The return-on-investment for users is significant, says Port. “A perfect example is dp Doors.  JobWatch has brought their business 25% more revenue each month, thanks to smarter scheduling and greater productivity across their 23 strong field service team. This equates to an extra 4 jobs per engineer per week. Admin in their back office has been reduced by 15% and this time saved is being dedicated to value-adding sales and marketing activities. Failed jobs have been reduced by 50%. Their annual fuel savings from JobWatch are in excess of £5000 and this saving alone is paying for their JobWatch system.”

 

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