Freeway Fleet Systems has developed smart software that aims to simplify fleet management by predicting the type and quantity of parts needed to maintain a fleet. 

Using artificial intelligence, the software works out future stock level requirements updating parts suppliers to automate stock replenishment and help eliminate out-of-stock occurrences.

The feature, which is incorporated in Freeway’s latest asset and workshop management system, continually learns from historic data to create a more accurate predictive model, it says. 

This includes identifying recurring trends and anomalies such as fluctuating seasonal demand and likely extra demand for particular vehicles scheduled for servicing.

“Fleet administration is a burden for operators and managing stock and purchasing is a particular challenge especially for mixed fleets where there may be individual parts running into the thousands,” said Patrick Tandy, managing director of Freeway.

“The switch to alternative fuels is only going to add complexity to fleet maintenance so we are continually looking at ways to simplify work through automation and the elimination of paperwork.”

The latest development builds on Freeway’s moves to improve workshop efficiency and productivity through the introduction of mobile devices.

Using electronic job sheets that identify the correct parts, workshop technicians can immediately request parts while on the job with the central system then updated on issue from stores. 

For defect rectifications requiring parts not held in stock, requisitions can also now be raised with one click to simplify and speed the ordering of the parts.

“Our predictive purchasing development is an example of how Freeway’s software collects data and processes it to useful intelligence that can be used to improve the business,” continued Tandy.

“This added insight allows stock levels to be optimised, reducing unnecessary stock and by ensuring the right stock is always available. This, with faster requisition processing, helps ensure vehicle downtime is minimised.”

Freeway provides an end-to-end solution so operators have a single system to handle the entire fleet management process, from scheduling service work, to managing defects and compliance, as well as stores and purchasing. 

To complete the loop Freeway then connects to external suppliers, such as vehicle manufacturers and parts stockists, as well as internal systems used for transport management, accounting and management reporting.

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