Unipart Group has brought its fleet operations in-house and deployed Microlise Fleet Performance and Journey Management.

The telematics solution will be used across Unipart’s heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and vans to understand in real time where its fleet is, how the fleet is being utilised, and how economically and safely the vehicles are being driven.

Real-time data will also show how the fleet is performing against its scheduled routes, alerting the team to any potential missed time-slots before they’ve happened, enabling proactive customer contact and alternative arrangements to be made.  

Having diversified significantly since its management buyout in 1987, Unipart Group now operates across logistics, manufacturing and consultancy. Customers include Sky, Centrica, Jaguar Land Rover and Waterstones.

With Microlise, Unipart’s UK transport operations team will benefit from a full suite of reports giving an understanding of where tractors, trailers and other assets are and allowing for them to be filtered by group, location, vehicle type and time, it said.

Driver performance will also be monitored with graded feedback on a number of metrics including acceleration, braking, cornering, idling and coasting – together combining to provide an overall grade.

Training can then be targeted to achieve better performance and ultimately reduce fuel costs and minimise vehicle wear and tear, it said.  

“We have a commitment to prioritise exceptional customer service by driving quality up and cost down through digital innovation and the application of the Unipart Way,” said David Atkinson, head of Unipart Logistics’ 3PL Transport.

“Microlise’s approach to logistics and telematics, and its digital investment, make it an excellent fit for us as we establish our own in-house fleet operations.”

Microlise, which is one of Europe’s largest telematics companies, has more than 450,000 active connections worldwide and works with 13 of the UK’s 15 largest retailers.

“Unipart is an exciting brand and one which is well respected for its strong ethos, history and approach,” said Microlise chief executive officer, Nadeem Raza.

“We are pleased to be supporting Unipart as it brings its fleet operations in-house – delivering the tools to manage, monitor and affect a highly efficient operation."