Success story
AUTOMATIC DATA CAPTURE
check-in time process by half with Motion tablet PCs
Trailcon reduces trailer S
erving the Toronto and Edmonton, Canada areas, Trailcon Leasing opened in 1992 offering expertise in freight transportation and specialises in trailers, intermodal
equipment and fleet management. The company provides flexible rent and lease programmes, as well as maintenance and service options. Trailcon has an inventory of over 5400 trailers available for rent or lease, plus the company provides service, maintenance and storage for other fleets of trailers for clients in Alberta and Ontario, Canada.
Trailcon required a sophisticated technology solution to track and manage assets, service, maintenance and parts inventory at the facility and on mobile mechanic vehicles. The company needed to move from a paper- intensive environment to a paperless, real-
time workflow for employees to utilise in the office, in the yard and also on the road via a mobile broadband connection.
Fully optimised
Trailcon initially launched G&C Software Solutions Unit Management System (UMS) on Motion Tablet PCs to its Fleet and Service personnel, and the transition was so advantageous that the
company also implemented the UMS shunting module as well as UMS Smart Yard Check to further control and automate yard processes and moves. The software is fully optimised for the tablet PCs, and employees easily use the drag-and-drop environment, digital camera and barcode scanner to manage assets. Additionally, the Motion tablet PCs allow for quick check in, check out and inspection of rental and lease trailers.
On any day, Trailcon receives between 10-25 units for return. The typical process to check in a trailer requires the customer’s original rental paperwork, checking for damages and any general maintenance and then invoicing the customer. The Motion tablet PCs with the
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G&C software solution allow the service team to have all of the customer information at their fingertips, so they can access the account immediately, process the return using the drag-and-drop functionality, note any maintenance needs and if there is damage, use the tablet PCs’ integrated digital camera to take photos, which are instantly attached to the record. “This process now takes about 10 minutes to complete, down from 20 minutes, but with a few more enhancements this will improve to 4-6 minutes very soon,” said Stuart Innes, IT manager, Trailcon Leasing Inc. [subhead] Enhanced customer experience Although Trailcon had some level of computerised automation for many years, there were many limiting aspects to the solution, and the company had outgrown much of the system. This was having a less than desirable impact on customer service, as clients were expecting more information in less time. Additionally, customers were asking
December 2011
MANUFACTURING &LOGISTICS
IT 27
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