Nationwide Accident Repair implements Ctrack telematics

Nationwide Accident Repair has selected an advanced vehicle tracking solution from Ctrack, a subsidiary of Novatel Wireless. 

The company will use the web-based Ctrack Online tracking system to monitor 40 vans that are part of its Mobile Car Repairs service, with a view to adopting the system across its nationwide network of mobile technicians.

Ctrack Online will replace an existing tracking system that no longer met the needs of Nationwide Repairs in terms of ease-of-use and reporting capabilities. It will be used by a team of 10 schedulers, based at the company’s office in Northwich, Cheshire, to ensure that technicians are operating in-line with their daily plans. The system will also help schedulers to identify the nearest and most appropriate technician for any incoming, ad hoc jobs during the day.

The tracking system will use power take off (PTO) sensors to track the usage of built-in power units that are used to generate electricity and compressed air when at a customer’s home during a repair. As a significant overhead to the business, Nationwide Repairs wanted to be able to monitor how long the generators are being used at each job, the associated cost of the fuel used, and if any potential savings existed.

Nationwide Repairs will also use Ctrack Online to create a number of reports that will provide added insight into the performance and productivity of its fleet operation. In particular, a detailed driver behaviour report will highlight any speeding or harsh driving that occurs, so the company can identify areas of improvement and better engage with the technicians regarding road safety. This will help Nationwide Repairs to protect and improve its industry-leading corporate social responsibility (CSR) rating.

Dean Heath, UK technical manager at Nationwide Repairs said: “We needed a tracking tool that was easy to use and would work effectively alongside our existing job scheduling and mobile computing systems. Ctrack Online will provide the added visibility and control we need to maximise the performance of our Mobile Car Repairs service, and ensure we are operating in an efficient and responsible manner at all times. We have worked closely with the team at Ctrack to develop a telematics solution that meets our exact needs, so we look forward to achieving measurable benefits moving forward.”

John Wisdom, managing director of Ctrack added: “As one of the leading providers of vehicle tracking and telematics systems, we are best placed to help overcome some of the most common and difficult challenges faced by fleets. Our extensive range of solutions deliver real advantage by enabling customers to address business critical performance issues as a result of greater operational visibility, control and efficiency.”