3663 set itself a target of a 5% cost saving across its logistics transport operations. 

The company recognised there were a number of areas where potentially it could make significant cost savings – for example, by improving fleet utilisation and fuel economy whilst also reducing maintenance costs by focusing on driving style.

In addition, greater opportunity to focus on customer service has been provided through the streamlining of some back office processes.

Having carried out an in-depth review of the market, the 3663 team chose Microlise as its technology partner.

3663 saw the ability use Microlise’s ‘plan vs. actual’ debrief and reporting to improve transport planning and customer service visibility, coupled with telematics for driving style monitoring and trip & delivery management via a Mobile Worker application as critical components of a single integrated solution.

As a first phase, 3663 implemented Microlise’s tracking & telematics module across the company’s logistics fleet of around 340 vehicles.

3663 then launched a driving for excellence initiative which Microlise was able to support through the development of detailed driver league tables.

This programme has delivered substantial savings as it quickly highlighted driving issues which could be then addressed, resulting in 3663 hitting its 5% target fuel saving in the early stages of the project.

Later phases of the project included implementing a new routing and scheduling package and then using Microlise’s Transport Management Centre to provide journey management and route & scheduling adherence reporting to drive improvements in fleet productivity.

This forward notification information has provided 3663 with an ability to provide accurate advanced information to customers.

Drivers have been issued with Mobile Data Terminals. These provide trip and schedule information, including integrated satellite navigation.

The last phase of the project will see Mobile Data Terminals being used for proof of delivery.

A successful aspect of the relationship between 3663 and Microlise is the way the companies are working closely together to maximise the return that 3663 gains on its investment with Microlise. 

Regular meetings were put in place from the beginning to ensure that the project progressed to plan and that the benefits of the system are realised on an ongoing basis.

Shaun Foley operations director for 3663 Logistics said: “Providing excellent service is of paramount importance to us and it was critical in our decision that any system selected would provide real customer benefit along side genuine savings in costs. It was also important to us that these impacts would be both for the immediate term as well as continuing into the future.

"We are delighted with the true partnership approach we have with Microlise and we have started to see the improved information for our customers along with reductions in costs and of course, carbon emissions. We look forward to remaining at the forefront of this market leading technology and delivering even further benefits into the future.”