SOFTWARE WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?
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CFC Solutions
CFC now offers its Fleet Plus and Fleet Horizon software on a pay-as-you-go basis. Fleet Horizon is designed for smaller fleets. Fleet Plus can be scaled up or down and can be adapted to take imports from other fleet activities, including fuel card issues.
Both systems can be configured to raise an automatic alert if a scheduled activity, such as a safety inspection, is missed.
This task in itself can be difficult and administratively burdensome. Using Fleetplus minimises the additional workload," reveals CFC business development executive Ben Western.
Chevin Computer Systems Chevin has added electronic storage of compliance checks to its internet-based
Fleetwave vehicle management software. Drivers can now upload their daily checks using internet-enabled smartphones or PDAs.
Fleet managers know in real time whether or not vehicles have been inspected, and what defects if anyhave been recorded.
The manager can react to any defect. and, if it is serious enough, a "do not drive" message can be sent to the driver.
Civica Civica's Tranman fleet management software includes workshop management and maintenance scheduling modules, both compliant with VOSA's Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness. "It's important that reported defects can be separated into safety-critical items, such as a blown bulb, that need immediate rectification, and non-critical items,
such as a tail-lift fault that, while it might make the vehicle unfit for purpose, doesn't make it unsafe," points out Civica sales manager Steve Bate.
The workshop management module records maintenance history and costs for each asset. The maintenance schedule incorporates a rules engine to ensure routine servicing and inspections.
Distinctive Systems
Distinctive System's Vehicle Maintenance System and VMS Express software is available as a client server-based software package, which can be used on a PC. "VMS Express has been very popular with smaller fleets, and it is ideal for anyone wanting a VOSA-compliant system without the unnecessary frills," says Distinctive Systems cornmercial manager Andrew Fraser. "It contains fewer features and facilities compared to the full version, but lt still remains 'VOSA-compliant."
The full version includes a Workshop Optimiser that automates rescheduling of subsequent activities if, for example, a due inspection is missed. Users can determine ho severe defects must be for a vehicle to be utomatically flagged as 'off-road'.
Technapaly
Technopoly is developing a web-based interactive version of its 'VOSA-compliant' Aceeferator maintenance management software. The software includes a Service Desk home page, which shows what vehicles are due for service. A missed inspection will be lagged up in red Operators can configure their own inspection checklists, so they are specific to their own vehicles and equipment.
It is critical to plan ahead and to record evidence that reported defects have been cleared," advises managing director Graham Halliwell. "It's also important to have somewhere you can record the reason for non-compliance."
There will be an up-front payment for setting-up and installing the system, then users will pay a monthly licence fee.
'Operators are demanding simple payment methods that do not tie up cash," states Halliwell.
Trace Systems
VOSA likes fixed schedules, reports Bill Davies, managing director of Trace Systems. "Although there is some flexibility, as a rule, VOSA disapproves of inspection dates creeping forward there is a risk that a vehicle scheduled for eight inspections over a year, may end up having only seven. If that happens frequently, it will affect your compliance score."
Davies also advises operators to obtain copies of pass certificates if vehicles are submitted for test under a dealer account, rather than an operator account.
"Even though the data is incorporated into the OCRS, data protection rules prevent VOSA from making available to operators test results if it is the service dealer that has paid for the test.
Trace software also allows scanned copies of test pass certificates to be attached to the vehicle record file.'