Public sector software demand increases

Fleet management software provider Jaama is seeing a significant increase in public sector interest in its technology following a recent workshop.

The Public Sector Fleet Management Software Workshop was held by Jaama in partnership with Luton Borough Council’s transport department, which is a convert to the company’s Key2 Vehicle Management system.

The Workshop took place against a background of public sector budgets being under the microscope amid significant cost-cutting due to the UK’s economic crisis.

Having already launched a ‘spend to save’ initiative targeted at fleet bosses, Jaama organised the Workshop where the speakers included council transport manager Don Allison and Rick Stillman, head of fleet at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust, another Key2 user.

Delegates were also able to see the Council’s software system in action as it is keen to share its processes and ‘lean working principles’ with other public sector organisations.

Jaama managing director Jason Francis said: “We have seen significant interest from public sector organisations in our fleet management software as they realised the many benefits that could accrue from implementation

“However, it is clear that many public sector fleets continue to rely on spread sheets or other means of vehicle record keeping. They also have a history of spending money on attempting to modernise outdated systems when they would reap significantly enhanced benefits by installing a new solution fit for the 21st century.

“But we have testimonials from many public sector organisations including Luton Borough Council and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust, which highlight how our software is helping them to improve the operating efficiency of their fleet vehicles. That is turn has meant that valuable financial savings can be ploughed into funding frontline services.

“Delegates attending the workshop were keen to learn bout how both the Council and the NHS Trust were benefiting from introducing Key2, but also the problems that each other were encountering in terms of vehicle and plant management.

“As a result of the seminar we are now working with a number of public sector organisations to ‘spec’ systems to meet their individual requirements.

“Those organisations have recognised that if they ‘spend to save’ they will reap significant cost savings and administration efficiencies. If investment is axed, local authorities will find they become less efficient and costs will actually escalate.”