EXECUTIVE REPORT
EHN reported on inspHire’s early Windows software in our January 2004 issue.
Windows of opportunity
inspHire made a significant decision 20 years ago regarding the development of its hire management software, and it has not looked back since.
It is hard to imagine working in a hire company, or any other business, without using a computer, but many EHN readers will remember when day-to-day transactions were recorded manually and invoices had to be individually typed out before being mailed. The big change came at the turn of the century, when the price and size of computers decreased, and perhaps the most significant development was the flexibility and user-friendliness offered by the Windows operating system, allowing operators to run several programs simultaneously, and to point-and-click on icons using a mouse, instead of typing codes and commands.
Modern programs enable hirers to generate management reports and forecasts.
This year, inspHire is celebrating 20 years since introducing its first Windows- based hire software,
when the company was called Maple Software Solutions (it adopted the inspHire name in 2000). In 1999 it decided to concentrate on Windows as its main operating platform, with the earlier versions having been based on DOS and Unix systems.
“From 2000 onwards, the software took off like a rocket,” said MD Graham Dobbs. “We were busy upgrading previous installations of inspHire to run under Windows with the same functionality, and new customers realised the efficiencies they could benefit from. When I joined the business, coincidentally in 2000, we had ten employees, but now we have more than 100. We also have offices in the US, Australia and Holland, with customers in more than 25 countries.”
Hire software has obviously developed considerably over the years, now being able to handle much more than daily management transactions and monthly invoicing. “inspHire Mobile is creating a lot of interest, enabling drivers to capture signatures on delivery and to photograph and upload pictures of damaged equipment,” said Graham Dobbs. “CRM (customer relationship management) functionality helps hirers to keep in close contact with clients, while dashboard and business intelligence reporting can deliver key performance indicator (KPI) data that some customers may ask for.”
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One company that has been using inspHire software for 17 years is Mayday Plant and Tool Hire, based in Thornton Heath. Director Derek Blow said, “Over the years, we have seen and benefited from the continuous development of inspHire. Our operations have changed considerably since we first implemented the system and the software has grown alongside our fleet and customer base. We are also looking forward to getting up and running with inspHire Mobile. Being able to keep track of all our workshop jobs, deliveries and collections using a hand-held device is going to make things so much easier for us, and this development is the essential next step to the way we provide our service.”
Mayday, which is itself celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, has participated in focus groups that inspHire runs regularly to keep hirers informed of new developments and to assess future industry requirements. For many years Derek Blow has actually been Chairman of inspHire’s Office Edition Forum Group.
inspHire will again be running demonstrations and giving instruction on some of its latest software developments at the Executive Hire Show in February. “It is always one of the busiest events that we participate at and for 2018 we have taken a bigger stand to cope with the number of visitors we attract,” said Graham Dobbs.
“We are still finding growth in the hire market. More ends users and contractors are realising the benefits of hiring equipment rather than owning it. It saves on storage space, reduces costs and removes the need for in-house service and maintenance operations. It is similar to the motor industry. Many people prefer to lease a car for a fixed period at a known cost rather than buying it outright, since their needs might change in the future. There are still many opportunities in hire and our growth, and that of our customers, reflects that.”
Mayday Plant Hire’s feedback has helped to develop inspHire’s software.
• 0115 979 3377
www.inspHire.com
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