J Priestley Transport has seen 50% in efficiency savings following the installation of Mandata transport management system (TMS).

The firm adopted the technology, which has replaced a paper-based system, in the summer of 2017 to raise overall standards of service and fleet-wide vehicle performance.

The move has helped to simplify operations, provide fully automated logistics planning and scheduling capabilities, improve cost management and seen better utilisation of driver and fleet resources.

The investment is already paying dividends for the haulier’s 15-strong commercial vehicle fleet.

Transport manager Jay Bownes estimates conservatively that Priestley’s is now operating 50% more efficiently than it did under the previous system, which had been in place for more than 25 years.

“There’s no question that the transition to Mandata has been successful with demonstrable benefits,” said Bownes.

“It’s had a huge impact on operations, automating procedures that were previously quite laborious and labour intensive, delivering overall efficiencies in the process.

“The system is extremely user-friendly and because its easy-to-use, drivers with busy delivery schedules to complete, have adapted to using it quickly.

“Indeed, they feel the technology is great and are extremely supportive of the investment, seeing the value and benefit in terms of time savings and better, smarter frontline operations.”

The migration to paperless operations is seen by Bownes and his colleagues as part of an initiative to provide greater transparency at every stage of a delivery’s journey, from initial booking of the job to the final acceptance of the load.

“Customers are always keen to know where their delivery is at any one time,” said Bownes.

“With the Mandata system, staff have the visibility they need at the touch of a button, and all involved in the job can access and view the same information.

“The system has been integrated across the business and Mandata has supported us throughout every step of the process with training that’s been impressive and thorough. 

“They clearly understand our business needs and have even suggested ways to improve processes, so that technology is better utilised and far more productive.”

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