“With Navman Wireless, we’ve definitely improved service to our customers. Now we deliver to specified timeframes, dispatching more than 200 jobs a day.”
Benefits of Navman Wireless
- Improved dispatching for more deliveries per day
- Fewer discrepancies
- Cost savings due to getting to jobs more efficiently
- More business due to improved customer service
For over 3 years, Plumbing World Auckland's Cross Docing Facility (CDF) has been using Navman Wireless in association with SoftPlus to receive jobs from branches and dispatch and track deliveries to plumbers. Plumbing World has Navman Wireless tracking devices and MDTs installed in all of their 13 delivery vehicles and OnlineAVL 2 software on dispatch computers so dispatchers can see where each truck is at all times and each driver can send and receive messages regarding jobs.
Chris Bowers, Transport Manager CDF, says, “Our service is very reactive. Jobs come in all day and we have to prioritise them appropriately. Navman Wireless makes it easy for our dispatchers to route trucks, organise pick ups and ensure we meet our promised delivery times.”
Improved Dispatching for More Deliveries per Day
On average, Plumbing World receives 200 jobs a day via SoftPlus that they dispatch using Navman Wireless. The system has improved efficiencies so greatly that Plumbing World estimates 2 hours for most deliveries.
Mr Bowers says, “Navman Wireless gives us an indispensable visual reference. Being able to tell a customer where a truck is means that they don’t have to wait at a site for us.”
Fewer Discrepancies
When dispatching was done by phone, radio and hand-written log, dispatchers (Jim Carter and Peter Spooner) were often called by branches and plumbers who said they didn’t receive their goods.
Now, if a discrepancy gets called in, Jim or Pete can print the automated job log plus the map with the truck at the site and a copy of the recipient’s signature. They fax this information to the branch or plumber and the problem is solved. Such evidence has reduced phone calls to the dispatchers by 75% and saved Plumbing World thousands in potential claims.
Cost Savings Due To Getting To Jobs More Efficiently
Mr Bowers says that another way Plumbing World saves money through the use of Navman Wireless is higher levels of efficiency. “Since using Navman Wireless, our fuel bills and vehicle maintenance costs are down as our trucks now travel the most efficient routes, and the dispatchers send the nearest vehicle to a job. Phone bills are down too since dispatch and drivers can send messages over the MDT.”
More Business Due To Improved Customer Service
After having Navman Wireless installed, Plumbing World was able to reduce their fleet by one truck due to increased efficiencies. Today, they’ve added that truck back because they’ve improved customer service. Mr Bowers says, “Plumbers have a choice - they can get their goods from us or they can go to another supplier. With our average 2 hour delivery time, proof of delivery and quality products, we’ve increased business in the Auckland region.”
