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NAS launched the TRUCKMASTER commercial vehicle management package in August. How good is the system in practice?
0 ne of the first users of the new TRUCKMASTER workshop software system (For details write No 50 on reader reply card) is Acton-based PR Fleet Services. We spoke to proprietor John Taylor for his thoughts on the benefits so far.
"It is still early days for us but the system is working well. Our business is split between cars and commercials and we have been running a car-based computer workshop system for some time.
"Our objective in switching to computerisation was to improve efficiency. We were not keeping records up to scratch and the whole business of hand writing job cards, typing invoices and filing was becoming very tedious. We also had problems with effective stock control and an abysmal system of safety inspection record keeping" Taylor says that computerisation revolutionised his operation and admits that becoming computer literate was not a problem. He recalls: "Our introduction to computers came via a Sage accounts package which gave a basic operational grounding and simplified the adoption of workshop software.
"Nevertheless, the TRUCKMASTER system is easy to get the hang of and use. None of our employees has had any trouble picking it up. Operation is very straightforward — key strokes are used throughout. We train new staff ourselves."
Taylor is full of praise for the telephone support service offered to customers by NAS. "The advisors are helpful and friendly which makes problem solving so much easier — they never talk down to you."
He continues: "The new system really boosts the competitiveness of our business. Speed, accuracy and clarity are all enhanced by the printed 'defects list'. This concise document can be faxed immediately to the customer for approval — so much more professional than a grubby, badly written version."
We understand that an operators' version of TRUCKMASTER is currently being developed which will create the ability for modemlinking. Taylor says that already some of his larger fleet customers are expressing an interest in closer ties of this sort.
From a purely commercial point of view another benefit of the system is that a 'jobs pending' file is created for every vehicle, saving the need for card systems. Taylor says: "At any time I can refer to this list and ' . check on the outstanding work irequired on every vehicle we deal with, together with the date by which it should be done.
/ "Consequently, we are able to keep ,.71. hounding opera; tors to get the 0 work in on the but ton, which helps greatly in keeping workshop flow even and predictable."
The system also features ICME times, I IGV parts catalogues, service shedules, quotation systems and stock control information. Taylor adds: "The stock control facility is very useful and effective too. It can be customised for individual business needs. We keep quite a lot in stock here and the system copes well with the management of this."
Taylor's overall impression of the system is an interesting one. He comments: "Computerisation like this encourages a more immediate way of working. It is like fax machines. If someone asks for an estimate to be faxed, then you have to do it straight away, the customer will not be expecting any delay as in the old days.
"The same idea is true for the computer system. Vehicle details are logged in and processed the moment the truck arrives. There is no delay and so no potential for confusion. It is right and proper that the paperwork is done first rather than last, and the TRUCKMAS. TER system ensures this happens.
"A knock-on benefit is that we enjoy a very good rapport with our licensing authority. They like what we do here, the ordered records system and the ease with which maintenance records can be checked. It keeps the authorities happy with us as a business which is always advantageous."
There is little doubt that Taylor is a computer convert. He says: "I would certainly not like to be without computerisation now. The TRUCKMASTER system represents the best tool that we have in the place. There is no question that it has boosted the efficiency and profitability of our business."