Logistics company CS Ellis, a member of the Palletline network, has begun using the JobWatch logistics management system from logistics software company BigChange.

The system involves integrating driver and delivery management with vehicle tracking, proof of delivery, satellite navigation and messaging services on touchscreen tablets that are rugged enough to handle the environment in which they operate.

“We had a basic tracking system for about six years but we had outgrown it,” said James Munton, IT/Health & Safety Manager, CS Ellis. “We needed a flexible system that could meet the needs of a large fleet.”

According to BigChange, the JobWatch system facilitates scheduling and planning of jobs and deliveries in real time, enabling operators to increase productivity and maximise billable time.

Those managing the JobWatch system have live Google mapping that includes live traffic, and displays the exact location of all vehicles along with their current status. It gives proactive alerts that enable planners to advise clients of schedule changes or late arrivals. Customers are also able to log in to monitor the jobs pertaining to them.

The in-cab JobWatch tablet has integrated telephone and a two way messaging service. Drivers can monitor their vehicles and loads, carrying out walk around checks and instantly log any defects and ensure that these are tracked and alerted to the office. Drivers will receive a behaviour debrief with scores that focus on safe, economical and sustainable driving at the end of each day.

“There have been many savings, including the obvious areas like fuel savings and minimising wear and tear on the vehicles, and we have also been able to standardise communications with our mobile workforce since JobWatch came along,” added Munton.

CS Ellis has distribution centres across the Midlands as well as a large fleet of HGVs. It provides warehousing, domestic and international freight distribution, as well as palletised hazardous delivery services.