Soft drinks giant AG Barr is to use aGPS and satellite tracking systemto
keep an eye on its precious cargoes ofIrn Bru and
Tizer.
The pop maker has appointed
Masternaut Three X to
run a web-based
satellite tracking service for its delivery fleet, a system
which is usually deployed to either improve driver safety or
prevent loss of stock.
Simon Reynish, primary planning and project manager for
AG Barr, explained that the
system will tell the company exactly where any of its vehicles are
at any given time. But the contract is more about improving
procedure and driver development, than preventing leakage from the
supply chain, said Reynish
"The application enables us to manage driver performance
proactively, focusing on fuel consumption, environmental impact,
vehicle servicing, and conformance to the working time directive,"
he said.
According to Reynish, this gathering of information is all about
giving drivers constructive feedback. Monitoring drivers is a way
of helping them with their personal development plans, which Barr
employees must have. This is being implemented across the business
in preparation for new driver legislation.
Masternaut's web-based vehicle tracking service uses GPS
satellite positioning to pinpoint each vehicle in AG Barr's primary
fleet. This information is transmitted via
GPRS to a central server, then displayed using Microsoft
Virtual Earth online street mapping on any terminal, be it a PC or
handset.
AG Barr's logistics management team can then get
minute-by-minute logistical reports on where their Tizer lorries
are at any time. It's about enhancing our operations, levels of
customer services and corporate responsibility, said Reynish.