VGroup International is driving efficiencies by fully automating the ordering of accessories at the time a vehicle order is placed.

Until now, contract hire and leasing companies would order vehicles via the appropriate supplying dealer and then separately - following receipt of an accessory order sometimes received manually - order accessories such as number plates, car mats and other items requested by fleets.

But with enhanced automation, VGroup International believes the benefits of online accessory, ‘welcome’ pack and driver information pack order placement at the time of vehicle ordering will deliver a range of significant enhancements to contract hire and leasing companies and their end-user fleet customers.

Additionally, it believes that the online ordering development will trigger a rise in the volume of vehicle accessories requested by customers.

Alphabet (GB) has been one of the contract hire and leasing companies piloting the enhancement, which is being rolled out to other leasing companies.

Glyn Watkin, Alphabet’s head of sourcing, said: “For Alphabet and our customers, the new VLink online ordering platform has been a positive development which integrates with and complements our existing vehicle order to delivery processes.

“The welcome pack in the vehicle is an important customer touchpoint from both a branding and operational perspective, so it’s vital it’s right first time, every time.

“Alphabet’s customer base is a complex and diverse mix of SME, corporate and public sector organisations with a broad range of specific, individual requirements, so the new VLink automation significantly reduces the risk of human error and the wrong welcome pack being received by the driver.

“Following a successful six-month trial of vLink we’ve seen enhanced levels of customer satisfaction and reduced levels of manual intervention, so it's been a real win-win innovation.”

James Nash (pictured), managing director of VGroup International, said: “We are focused on utilising sophisticated online ordering platforms as much as possible to eliminate manual processes.

“Whether a vehicle is ordered from stock or is built to order, instead of previously ordering accessories manually a leasing company can attach the order to the vehicle order so the process is co-ordinated, simplified for contract hire and leasing companies and dealers and efficient for fleet customers.

“Uniting our resources, experience and knowledge enables contract hire and leasing companies to deliver branded safety communications and higher turnover opportunities.

“Technology is changing the way vehicles and accessories are ordered and at the click of a button, the entire vehicle and accessory ordering process is seamless.”

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