Ryder Europe has announced that it has signed contracts with Microlise and Ortec to provide a new integrated telematics and Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) system for Ryder’s driver and transport management operations.

Ryder is investing £600,000 in the systems which will initially be offered to existing clients and is expected to be a powerful factor in new business acquisition.

The telematics and mobile workforce solution is provided by Microlise and the scheduling system by Ortec.

This new capability will allow Ryder to centralise planning activities with the combination of Microlise and Ortec with the aim of creating a ‘best of breed’ transport management system.

Events are recorded in real time so that the office can measure schedule adherence against the initial plan and the system will generate electronic proof of delivery. In addition there may also be environmental and cost benefits from reduced fuel use.

The scheduling system has been integrated into the Ryder network so that it can be accessed both locally and centrally, rather than requiring a dedicated resource at the customer location. Microlise telematics is web-based and will be managed centrally, reducing the burden of administration.

“We can identify ways to improve routes and the ways vehicles are driven,” said Paul Probert, general manager DCC, Ryder Europe. “We can focus on any exceptions to the routing plan, refine the process and produce the optimum schedule.”