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Masternaut, one of the largest European providers of telematics solutions, has launched Masternaut Tax & Expense, offering customers automated and completely accurate mileage logging to support expense claims and compliance regulations.  

The module is the latest in a series of new applications announced by the telematics provider, following the launch of Masternaut Connect last year. Masternaut Tax & Expense is specifically designed to benefit the whole business from the finance department to individual drivers, enabling driver authentication of business and private mileage, while storing data for regulatory compliance. Benefits include quicker and more efficient processes due to automated mileage logging. Masternaut’s patented technology reports exact vehicle odometer which revolutionary compared to GPS-based calculations.

Tax & Expense can be used as a wholly independent module or as a component part of Masternaut’s Connect platform which includes ecoDrive, Live tracking and Business Intelligence as companion modules.

Delivered via the new platform’s core, integrated web interface, the application is available to all customers using Masternaut Connect, removing the need for lengthy bespoke deployments, and enabling rapid take-up.

The new Masternaut Connect functionality also offers improved privacy options, enabling customers to select map-based routes or data-only services, in order to protect employee privacy outside of working hours.

Martin Hiscox, Chairman and CEO of Masternaut, says: “Telematics has gone way beyond simply tracking vehicle whereabouts. The benefits span a wide range of business departments, and finance is no exception.

“For many of our customers, handling tax and expense claims – often for thousands of drivers, and across multiple regions – can be a complex and time-consuming task. Masternaut Tax & Expense automates the processes involved, delivering intuitive reports quickly and easily. Above all, these reports can be modified to support customer priorities and local requirements – and in the minefield of local compliance and regulation, for many of our customers this will be where the true benefit lies. ”

Masternaut’s CTO, Alex Rothwell, adds: “It’s been an extremely busy year of innovation and development for Masternaut. We invested millions of euros and the largest telematics R&D workforce in Europe into bringing Masternaut Connect to market; it’s very exciting to be at a stage when we can begin introducing the various applications of the platform – and Tax & Expense is just one of these applications.”

A recent announcement from Motion Computing, one the leading providers of rugged technology solutions has revealed that Camtech Systems, a reseller and systems integrator have become the first company in the United Kingdom to be awarded Platinum partner status on the Motion Valued Partner (MBVP) scheme.

The recognition comes after working with Motion Computing since 2009 and cements a mutually beneficial relationship that will continue to see Camtech Systems identify and implement Motion Tablet PC solutions to organisations across differing sectors within the UK ranging from retail, to asset management, estate agency and even emergency services. The acknowledgement also comes in recognition of the outstanding service Camtech have provided to their own and the Motion customer base.

The MVP program is unique, authorised reseller programme designed to protect and enhance the return on investment made by Motion partners.  Structured into Silver, Gold and Platinum partners, the programme features an innovative online portal that delivers external and internal marketing tools and programs to improve partner visibility and drive sales opportunities. This includes presentations, case studies, new business material, corporate sales support, access to demonstration equipment and lead referral programmes to support sales teams and enhance customer acquisition.

Darrell Newman, Managing Director, Camtech Systems said: “Being awarded Platinum status by Motion is really important to us and we are proud of the recognition of our service levels.  Platinum status allows us to provide a more comprehensive service to all of our Motion clients, delivering total solutions as well as providing better volume deal pricing. We see the elevation in partner status as a clear indication of not only our long term business relationship with Motion, but the future opportunities we can build upon. The CL910, F5Te, C5Te and J-series are the preferred choice for the mobile professional and field service sectors and we are confident that we can continue to build a market-leading enterprise mobility offering around these rugged platforms.”

Ian Davies, country manager, Northern Europe, Motion Computing explained: “The Motion Valued Partner Programme reflects the value and importance Motion sees in partnering with dedicated, solution providers whose business goals align with ours.  For our channel partners delivering excellence, MVP offers a fantastic opportunity to build a successful business around the Motion portfolio and Camtech is a great example of this success.  As the currently exclusive Platinum partner in the UK, we are really pleased to recognise their achievements and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with Camtech further.”

If you are a reseller in the UK and would like to know more about this programme then please visit http://partners.motioncomputing.com/EnglishIntl

 ServicePower a market leader in field service management, have recently announced a new agreement with ServiceMax, the only global, completely native Force . com field service application in the industry. Another collaboration which could see users of both systems benefit...

The agreement sees ServiceMax integrating ServicePower’s patented schedule optimisation product, ServiceScheduling, which is acknowledged by many as being one of the leading leading optimisation technologies for large workforces, into OptiMax, ServiceMax’s workforce optimisation module available on the Force.com AppExchange.

This  integrated solution will enable the companies to provide a unified, sole vendor field management solution to a wide array of field service organisations, working across both geographies and industries such as medical devices, oil and gas, and utilities where customers are noted to be looking for the Salesforce CRM alongside highly developed optimisation capabilities.

Commenting on the agreement, Marne Martin, CEO of ServicePower stated:

 “Our relationship with ServiceMax creates a unique competitive offering in the field management industry, capitalising on the strength of our patented optimisation technology, and the breadth of the Force.com platform on which ServiceMax has built its 100% native solution.  As a single vendor solution for global field service organisations, we can provide clients productivity and efficiency improvements, in addition to Force.com’s CRM features through Optimax.  While increasing our penetration of the Force.com customer ecosystem, the partnership also expands our sales footprint to new geographies around the globe.”

CEO of ServiceMax.Dave Yarnold added:

“Our integration with ServicePower enhances the ServiceMax platform with industry recognised optimisation technology, further extending our ability to provide an end to end, field service management solution to the Force.com ecosystem, and beyond.”

For more information on ServiceMax click here visit their page in the Field Service News Online Directory which includes videos, news & features plus access to downloadable resources.  

Engineer productivity doubles with FLS VISITOUR scheduling and FLS Mobile solution

Sky Deutschland is the leading pay TV company in Germany and Austria with over 3.5 million subscribers.

Sky offers live sports, current films, award-winning TV series, kids programs, and documentaries as well as outstanding innovations and an awarded customer service. One way to access this high quality content is via satellite.

Sky provides a service for on-site installation through its own technical support team and also approved partners. In 2011, with objectives to improve service and efficiency, Sky Deutschland made the switch from regional to centralized scheduling and chose FLS VISITOUR and FLS MOBILE to optimise its appointment and route planning.

With FLS VISTOUR, the time required to book appointments has been cut by half. The intelligent planning algorithm reacts within seconds resulting in the optimal scheduling of technicians.

"We are very pleased with FLS. Due to the combination of FLS VISITOUR and FLS MOBILE new processes and organisational structure were implemented. As a result, our technicians are able to complete twice as many jobs per day than before. Customer satisfaction has increased, showing that 93 % of customers now rate the service with grade 1 and 2." Lydia Otto, Sky’s Director of Field Service

Click Software continue to build their reputation as a stand-out provider of field service solutions to the telecommunications industry having won the contract to supply one of Italy’s largest mobile telecom operators WIND Telecomunicazioni Spa, with a new field service solution to enable greater mobile workforce management.

The solution will replace the Italian telecoms companies existing workforce management system and is being implemented by WIND to enable the company to build a more efficient mobile workforce by utilizing ClickSoftware’s assisted scheduling engine. The Italian telecoms company is hoping that by further improve the levels of service they are able to provide they will be able to firmly cement their position as leader within their sector.

Nicola Grassi, Chief Technology Officer at WIND commented:

“We have always been committed to fortifying the fundamentals that strengthen our core activities and that are able to increase the flexibility and efficiency of our operational services. Customer satisfaction is crucial to our business and we needed a solution that was reliable, easy to implement and develop, with a measureable amount of results,”

“We believe that we can meet such challenges working with ClickSoftware” he added.

With almost 1,000 field engineers, WIND’s dispatchers will now be able to capitalize on the benefits that a modern field service system such as the one ClickSoftware provide which incorporates powerful optimisation capabilities as well as delivering reliable, precise information directly to the smartphones of the field technicians out in the field. An added benefit of the solution is that the field management team at WIND now have the ability to gain visibility into all aspects of the business, especially in times of emergency.

 Commenting on the implementation Dr. Moshe Ben Bassat, Founder and CEO of ClickSoftware stated:

“WIND understands the strategic importance of customer experience, and ClickSoftware will help meet its service goals”

 “Our objective is to always help customers use their resources in the most efficient way while meeting its targets for customer satisfaction. With so many engineers in the field, ClickSoftware will make a considerable impact on both the reliability of information shared and time saved in completing jobs.” He concluded.

 

Find out more about ClickSoftware including features, news and video in the FIeld Service News directory here

Time critical logistics provider Bespoke Distribution Aviation (BDA) have made a flying start to 2014 with a focus on their wider international distribution service, and the recruitment of a new European Managing Director to spearhead the operation.

The company who are based at Coventry Airport is going through a period of extended growth, which has seen the significant expansion of its night Air and Road operations with increased levels of distribution business over the past six months.

The newly appointed European Managing Director Kevin Turner, who is responsible for leading the continued growth of the logistics provider ,brings with him 25 years’ of experience in the Same Day and Next Day delivery markets.

With expertise in European Air and Road express services as well as Warehousing Solutions, the appointment of Turner aims to further strengthen the BDA team as they aspire to continue building their  international footprint across the next 12 months.

With a network of airport based hubs throughout the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, BDA already operate an extensive end-to-end supply chain which allows for pan-European, time critical daily deliveries.

Turner will be based in the company’s Maastricht Air-Hub in The Netherlands, with the intention of developing the company’s overseas market presence. His  experience, having previously worked in European and UK distribution, logistics warehousing and air freight, will be a key advantage as he spearheads BDA’s strategy of increasing market share and growth across both European and International markets.

Turner commented:

“BDA has a great structure in place to allow it to grow its capacity throughout its UK, Ireland and European divisions. The company’s service offering is unique and tailored to every customer and this is why it is an international market leader for bespoke distribution services and supply chain solutions. The company has plans to increase its market presence further and I am excited to become an integral part of this.”

The appointment arrives at a particularly exciting time for BDA. The company are currently undergoing a period of unprecedented  growth with the purchase German Airline and In-night freight specialist NightExpress last year, as well as moving into new geographical markets and also a move into the B2C sector as a result of a new partnership with an established  e-commerce organisation.

BDA operate nightly cargo flights, which are then supplemented by daily road express linehaul routes, between its Coventry hub, Dublin, and Frankfurt in Germany. With flights five nights a week allowing them to offer a guarantee for overnight and early morning delivery for time-critical cargo. As a result they are particularly strong in sectors such as hi-tech IT and printing, materials handling equipment, automotive industries, medical equipment and agricultural machinery as well as more recently, direct selling e-commerce businesses.

BDA sales director, Steve Court stated:

“Last year was a fantastic year, during which we further established our infrastructure and platform for growth, and we are looking forward to continued growth and success in 2014.  He continued: “We’re growing all the time and with Kevin heading up our European division, we will continue to offer an unrivalled service throughout Europe and add value to the supply chain markets. We are prepared for a very exciting year ahead.”

 

 

FeedHenry, who are a next-generation provider of cloud based mobile enterprise applications have recently announced a technology partnership with AirWatch which could prove to be significant for the field service industry.

AirWatch themselves are one of the leading Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) providers with a solid track record within the industry, whilst the relatively young Feed Henry have already established a strong reputation after a number of successful projects involving the creation of mobile enterprise applications, including developing a large number of apps for different elements of the network rail group which saw the transportation giant improve field service efficiency dramatically.

Working together the two companies will provide a joint solution, which will enable the simple and rapid creation of mobile enterprise applications which will be able to be immediately deployed and managed within the AirWatch app catalogue.

AirWatch CEO John Marshall commented;

“IT organisations often need to develop, deploy and maintain mobile applications quickly and securely to accelerate business opportunities and promote employee productivity,”

“FeedHenry’s platform integration with AirWatch provides enterprises the ability to secure their mobile devices and to simplify app development with connectivity to backend systems through RESTful APIs in the cloud.”

By integrating with AirWatch, Feed Henry’s Mobile Application Platform enables companies to develop, integrate and secure mobile enterprise applications as well as content on mobile devices, whilst giving IT departments the ability to manage policies and provide access controls at the enterprise level.

Feed Henry CEO Cathal McGloin comments:

“The integration of our next generation Mobile Application Platform with AirWatch’s EMM solution now gives enterprises secure device management, along with the ability to develop, host and manage native, hybrid and HTML5 applications,”

“Most mobile enterprise deployments have been focused on the development of one off, tactical applications for specific groups of employees or customers. Increasingly however, organisations are looking towards more advanced mobilisation of a broader set of assets and back-end data sets. We believe that agile, cloud-based mobile application platforms, alongside MDM solutions, will play an important role in this enablement.”

The benefits that Feed Henry can offer to AirWatch users include simplifying and securing the connectivity of apps with any enterprise systems through Feed Henry’s ‘mobile backend as-a-service’ and accelerating development cycles and go to market by deploying apps to the device server-side code to the cloud – whether it is public, private or hybrid with just one push.

Developers can also now publish apps and make them AirWatch enabled seamlessly whilst being able to push app updates to all enrolled devices on the AirWatch MDM platform and enterprises are able to monitor and tack all newly created apps via the AirWatch console.

Find out more about mobile enterprise application and field service software providers including case studies, videos and other resources in our online directory here. 

One of the UK’s leading building insurance claims management companies LAS Claims Ltd has achieved a 32% saving in fuel costs just one month after implementing two systems provided by field service software provider FLS.

LAS Claims who manage thousands of claims for household buildings claims every year work on behalf of a number of the UK’s leading insurers. The claims management process requires LAS Claims to deal with validation, investigation, and then achieving the best settlement outcomes and then fulfilment.

They have chosen to implement both FLS VISITOUR which incorporates real-time scheduling and optimisation technology alongside a cost-led booking system as well as FLS MOBILE, which delivers improvements in the efficiency of the field force. Together the two technologies have allowed for quicker response times for both LAS Claims’ insurer clients and of course the insurers customers also.

With offices in Birmingham and Bristol the claim management company have a number of strict SLA timescales to adhere to when reacting to a claim. An appointment for a home visit must be scheduled and attended by one of the LAS field force which is comprised of 65 claim surveyors. These claims surveyors also need to be flexible to relocate to meet the demands of surges in claims such as the recent flooding and devastation in much of Somerset and other areas in Southern England as a result of the recent extreme weather.

The FLS solution is delivered via a Software as a Service platform so was able to be fully deployed and being used by all of the team at LAS including office based staff and the field operatives within just 3 weeks of the projects start.

Having adopted a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy for subcontractor surveyors FLS MOBILE, which is device agnostic allowed easy deployment, whilst FLS VISITOUR is being used alongside the LAS Claims proprietary claims management system in the central offices.

Ian Hogarth, LAS Business Development Director, commented:

“We have long believed that technology can deliver significant improvements to claims management in the UK household market. FLS VISITOUR is the latest addition to our technology portfolio, and we are delighted with the results to date.”

“FLS allows our claims handlers to select an appropriate appointment date/time, it tells us where the surveyor is, how long it will take to get to their appointment, how long the surveyor has been on site, and where they’re going next,” he said.

“It enables us to give our customers real time information for example exactly when to expect our surveyor to arrive, but also ensures we only send a surveyor with the appropriate skill set and equipment for each claim, not just any surveyor.”

He added “We can cluster the appointments to optimise the number of visits per day, and this has been especially effective during the recent surge, where LAS claims volumes increased by over 600% above the daily average.”

“We have been using FLS for a month across our business and it has already delivered exceptional benefits. For example, we have reduced surveyor mileage between appointments from an average of 34 miles per job to 23 miles. This means less travelling time and more time spent in customer’s homes helping them after a claim.”

Aside from improvements to scheduling, Mr Hogarth points to other benefits from using FLS:

“There are the obvious environmental benefits from travelling fewer miles, but it also helps improve the safety of surveyors, who are almost all lone workers, as we know where they are at any given time.”

Jeremy Squire, FLS UK Managing Director stated:

“LAS Claims are using FLS VISITOUR to great advantage in a competitive industry. We are proud to welcome LAS as a new customer and of their early achievements using FLS technology. Further gains are attainable and we will work closely as a team to quickly achieve these.

 

 

Due to their recent research on the fleet management market Frost & Sullivan have presented Masternaut with their 2013 award for Competitive Strategy Leadership. Masternaut were selected after successfully differentiating themselves from their competition through a mix of product quality, up-to-date functionality, unique offerings and significant cost savings delivered to their customers.

Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Latha Rani commented:

“Being adaptive and resilient is a key success factor in the fiercely competitive fleet management services industry, and Masternaut has designed its strategies around offering better value to its customers”

“Masternaut’s product offerings help minimise the carbon footprint of fleets, improve safety, and augment efficiency, which ultimately translates to unparalleled customer value.” Rani added.

In particular it was Masternaut’s desire to collaborate with customers to establish a deeper understanding of their needs whilst simultaneously having their finger on the pulse of the latest market trends that went a long way to securing enhanced customer value. Leveraging market experience to innovate on an ongoing basis, developing truly customisable solutions that meet their clients demands and offering best-in-class after sales service were also key factors for them receiving the award.

With an investment of over €20 million to take forward their technology , their platform  Masternaut Connect is designed to employ the latest advancements in telematics, with the aim of delivering superior real-time tracking and communications to improve driver behaviour and fuel efficiency, whilst reducing reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It is through this platform that Masternaut have helped their customers employee management and vehicle expenses, while giving them greater visibility into trends and strategic business data.

Delivering quality end to end service which ranges across hardware, software, communication gateways for data collection, data hosting, server hardware and technology and QA and web-delivered software, Masternaut also has highly experienced in-house customer service teams who specialise on specific sectors.

The company also has a deep pool of satisfied customers using their solutions who will vouch for their services and the fact that many of them have achieved savings as significant as 20% whilst benefitting from the added security fleet management provides.

"Masternaut currently holds an impressive market share in this highly competitive space," noted Rani.

"With over 300,000 vehicles across Europe, the company has achieved an excellent compound annual growth rate of 30 percent from 2009 to 2012."

Of course this would be expected with Masternaut being the largest fleet management services company in Europe, in fact they are now providing services across 32 countries. As the first telematics company worldwide, and with 16 years of experience in telematics, Masternaut have established an excellent brand presence in the market and made the most of their early-mover advantage. With a strong reputation and wide reach the company have built themselves an enviable position from which they can thrive in a competitive market.

The award is handed out each year Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that has utilised competitive intelligence to successfully execute a competitive strategy resulting in stronger market share, competitive brand positioning and customer satisfaction.

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

Many congratulations to Masternaut for achieving this award. A shining beacon for the telematics industry.