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Category: Hire

BigChange Powers Operational Changes at Quick Reach

Quick Reach
Posted on by Martin Port

Powered access company Quick Reach has reduced its environmental impact, improved operational efficiency and has achieved a significant growth in income using the latest field service management software from BigChange.

Since implementing the complete Job Management Platform, Quick Reach has transitioned to become virtually paperless, contributing to a reduction in the hire company’s carbon footprint and supporting its green aspirations. BigChange has also powered improvements in efficiency resulting in an increase in the number of deliveries, collections and repairs completed each day and has realised a 200 per cent increase in damage charges.

Jim Dorricott, Operations Director at Quick Reach commented:

“As we have grown, from a single site operation to a strategic UK wide network of depots, we have had to change the way we manage the field operation. Prior to BigChange everything was paper based, and each depot managed themselves. When we launched a central hire desk and a dedicated technical support centre, paper was no longer an option as it was just too labour intensive and environmentally damaging.

He continued:

“Using BigChange has certainly been a big change. All information is now held centrally and can be accessed whenever it is needed, by whoever needs it. This has resulted in significant improvements in operational efficiencies evidenced by an increase in the jobs completed each day. We also have automated alerts and notifications allowing us to react and respond to any issues as they occur and the ability to capture and record information, including photographs, at every stage which has resulted in the tripling of our damage charges.” 

Formed in 2014 by brothers John and David Barton, Quick Reach has grown and is now widely recognised as one of the top powered access companies in the UK. With a wealth of experience in the plant industry, Quick Reach offers contract hire and sale of a complete range of powered access equipment including the latest hybrid platforms. Quick Reach supports customers with a comprehensive training programme ensuring compliance with the latest Working at Height Legislation and unique service and maintenance packages including statutory equipment inspections. 

Using the single platform CRM, Job Scheduling, Live Tracking, Field Resource Management and Online Portal, from BigChange has transformed the management of Quick Reach’s delivery and service operation with drivers and engineers armed with mobile devices. Job sheets and schedules are automatically allocated and shared and proof of delivery and customer sign-offs are digitally captured and centrally stored. Quick Reach also relies on BigChange to manage aspects of its workforce health and safety monitoring with daily vehicle and driver and checks.

Dorricott concluded:

“BigChange has completely changed the way we operate – for the better! It’s easy to use, reliable, can be configured to just the way you need it. The support is first class and as we continue to grow so will our use of BigChange.”

Quick Reach Team

BigChange Mobile Technology Lifts Productivity for AFI Group

Posted on by Martin Port

The AFI Group, specialists in powered access equipment, is boosting the productivity of its nationwide team of engineers and drivers with workforce management technology from BigChange.

The cloud-based, 5-in-1 solution enables AFI to build custom workflows underpinned by job-specific documentation, contributing to a reduction in engineer call-outs. Improved planning and visibility have already boosted driver productivity by 30 percent and AFI is looking forward to further benefits as it introduces BigChange to other parts of its business.

“Working at height is a professional skill and as such it requires professional equipment, expertise and knowledge and BigChange supports that, with BigChange, we build our own workflows which means we only ask relevant questions and perform applicable tests; for example, if we are inspecting an electric machine why check fuel levels? It sounds obvious, but every question that doesn’t need to be asked or test that doesn’t need to be undertaken is time, and therefore money, saved.”

Chris Jowett, Group IT Director at AFI Group Services

Jowett Continued:

“This also leads to quicker fixes for our customers, we are only six-months into using BigChange for our engineers and we have completely re-written our breakdown workflows. As a result, we have seen a significant increase in the number of faults that can be fixed over the phone, meaning a customer can be back up and running, in a matter of minutes, without waiting for a site visit.”

AFI provide high-quality powered access machine hire and sales, industry-accredited training and health and safety courses to ensure that anyone working at height is doing it safely and professionally. From only three UK depots and 270 machines in 2002, AFI has expanded to 20 locations in the UK and six in the Middle East. AFI now has a fleet of more than 6,000 powered access machines, a team of 200 plus engineers, drivers and operators and provides training for more than 30,000 people each year.

AFI introduced BigChange to replace an existing workforce management system. By providing a single platform, CRM, Job Scheduling, Mobile App, Vehicle Tracking and Online Portal, BigChange has combined a range of functionality that AFI used to access from disparate systems. Planning for operators and engineers is now undertaken for the whole of the UK from central offices and management have complete, real-time visibility of every vehicle. AFI is also transitioning other aspects of transport management to BigChange, including PMI (Preventative Maintenance Inspection) scheduling, MOT and tax reminders and DVSA checks.

BigChange also powers a seamless, paperless flow of intelligence with improved access to and sharing of equipment or site-specific documentation using the mobile app whilst automatically generated alerts keep customers informed when a machine has been delivered, serviced or repaired and is ready for use. 

Jowett concluded:

“The support we receive from BigChange is second to none, we have a dedicated account manager who truly understands our business and has helped us get the maximum return on our investment which is really helpful as new functionality is released every two weeks!”

AFI Group Office shot

BigChange Mobile Technology Streamlines and Protects GAP Hire Equipment

BigChange GAP hire lady holding tablet
Posted on by Martin Port

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent equipment hire company, has deployed a cloud-based mobile workforce management system from Leeds-based BigChange.

The system has boosted the efficiency of GAP’s operations by equipping field operatives with rugged tablets running a mobile app called JobWatch which includes black box vehicle tracking as part of the system.

The 5 in 1 BigChange solution allows completely paperless working, connecting to the GAP hiredesk in real-time to provide management and customer services with 24/7 visibility on deliveries and collections of equipment.

The benefits have made an immediate impact on GAP Survey & Safety and it’s expanding customer base. The specialist division hires out specialist equipment and instrumentation to surveyors and civil engineers. Operating from 15 locations across the UK and employing 60 people, the division is growing rapidly.

GAP holds stocks of the latest total stations, GPS satellite network rovers, lasers and other precision instrumentation, as well as other surveying kit. The specialist equipment is not only expensive, but it is also being continually enhanced as the technology evolves. As a result, the hiring of equipment is increasingly popular, especially amongst civil engineers involved in set up at construction and infrastructure sites.

Jim Burke, GAP’s Survey & Safety Division Manager, says:

“We invest in the very latest surveying equipment including costly instrumentation which is often supplied with a box full of accessories,”

“In the past we didn’t have a way to provide proof when making a claim for damage or any missing accessories.”

GAP uses BigChange to manage the whole operation with all hired equipment being accurately logged and tracked from the initial order, through the depot and workshop, to delivery and collection. The tablets are used to photograph equipment prior to despatch, on delivery and when collected with GPS location and time recorded automatically with each image. For added security drivers can also photograph at handover so there is a record of the person taking delivery.

Burke explains:

“BigChange has changed everything by providing indisputable evidence when equipment and accessories are returned damaged or incomplete. It’s put an end to the challenging conversations we used to have – the digitally held records remove any doubts. Customers are much happier now we can show them tangible evidence for the first time. BigChange has eliminated what used to be a major management headache,”

The 5 in 1 JobWatch app links to BigChange vehicle telematics fitted to GAP Survey’s fleet of vans. Company cars are also fitted with the trackers so anyone can collect or deliver equipment knowing that the system automatically records their activity. Drivers use their tablets in place of traditional hire paperwork with improved time and location stamped records plus additional photographs when required. The devices are also used for daily vehicle safety checks.

Apart from the paperless delivery and collection management application, BigChange is having a big impact on operational efficiency. All jobs are scheduled, routed and tracked using BigChange and this is improving resource utilisation and reducing unnecessary mileage. Hire controllers also have continual, real-time visibility of the fleet allowing deliveries and collections to be managed better and dynamically – optimising resource utilisation and allowing a more responsive service.

Burke comments:

“BigChange gives us the ultimate controllability over our operations,”

“The real impact of the system has yet to really be felt as it’s relatively early on but already it has boosted efficiency and is underpinning rapid year-on-year business growth. And the more accurate hire records have also certainly improved profitability and cash flow.”

Burke adds:

“GAP’s mission as a company is encapsulated in what we call the GAP CODE; Communication, One Team, Dedication and Efficiency. BigChange is all that so it fits in perfectly with the philosophy and aims of the business,”

GAP team uses BigChange tech

BigChange Delivers 40% Productivity Gain for HSS Groundcare

BigChange HSS employee in front of van
Posted on by Martin Port

HSS Groundcare, the only national groundcare hire and maintenance service in the UK, has rolled out new mobile technology that has boosted field engineer productivity by 40 percent.

Providing visibility of operations nationwide, the new system supplied by Leeds based BigChange connects back office cloud software with mobile devices and vehicle trackers as part of a paperless, real-time system.

HSS Groundcare is part of the HSS Hire Group, the £350 million turnover business employing almost 2,500 people across 250 UK locations. The specialist groundcare and landscaping service operates from 12 locations nationwide and looks after 21,000 individual assets. Although HSS Groundcare supply and hire equipment, such as lawnmowers, chippers and strimmers, the primary activity is the servicing and maintenance of equipment and the company provides a same day call out service.

HSS field engineers are equipped with rugged tablets running JobWatch, the 5 in 1 app that replaces all paperwork. As well as digital job cards, the devices allow access to a library of useful documents such as procedures and equipment manuals with technical diagrams. On the move the tablets sit in dashboard cradles and provide navigation and BigChange GPS trackers keep customer services up to date on the whereabouts of each engineer.

Previously HSS Groundcare relied on spreadsheets and mobile phone communications to manage the field operations but, as the division was expanded, this system quickly became overloaded and too cumbersome to use with the increasing volume of work.

Colin Newton, HSS Groundcare Director says:

“Utilisation is the key for us and since implementing the BigChange system this is where we have seen enormous benefits. We need to keep our engineers as busy as possible and with this system we have increased utilisation from around 50 percent to 90 percent,”

“Gone are all those idle hours sitting around the depot and our engineers are much happier busy doing their job.”

With clients including local authorities, sports grounds and golf courses, HSS Groundcare provides services that include repairs, servicing, fault monitoring and operator training. A landscaping service meanwhile includes groundworks and the application of compost, mulches and fertilisers. With contracts with many different organisations, each with distinct service packages, managing and accounting had previously been very complicated.

With BigChange, job sheets and reports can be easily tailored and managing business has become a lot easier. The system is also proving invaluable for meeting KPI obligations. With contract performance typically assessed on criteria such as response times, time taken to fix equipment and the first time fix rates, JobWatch provides instant and accurate data on all jobs. Through the tablets, engineers can also access historical information looking at, for example, what repairs were undertaken previously.

Newton says:

“Previously we couldn’t keep track of the work and reporting to customers was particularly difficult. JobWatch gives us all the information we need and that is vital for customer service. Not only can we keep customers informed – on for example the engineer’s ETA or when their equipment has been fixed, but we can also monitor the performance of equipment. We can also spot recurring faults which might be caused by operators themselves. That added dimension to our service sets us apart in the eyes of our customers.”

JobWatch is integrated with the company’s bespoke hire system call SPANNER allowing data to be freely interchanged for accounts and stock control. For example, engineers record parts used or needed on their job cards and this automatically updates the central stock control system and actions parts requests. Engineers can also record labour and parts for recharging and customers get an automated report on completion of the job.

Newton adds:

“BigChange has given us a massive improvement in efficiency and as well as the improvement in resource utilisation – more or less doubling the number of jobs we do a day. We are also saving fuel through optimised routing and scheduling. The added visibility is also allowing us to better plan ahead so we can schedule everything, including annual planned maintenance work, to optimise the use of our resources.”

Newton explains:

“JobWatch was resisted at first by some engineers but now our engineers love it. In fact, they refuse to take any jobs that are not in the system. From a management perspective JobWatch gives us consistency across the business as we all use the same worksheet format; so whether different engineers are in different regions, we all rely on the same standard data reporting.”

Using the BigChange powered tablets, engineers capture photographs on site to provide evidence of work done and the customer signs off work with an on-screen signature.

Newton adds:

“If a job fails we can see exactly why and with time stamped photographs and tracking logs we have indisputable evidence and that means there is really no cause for a debate and we can invoice immediately.”

BigChange has also helped improve customer services according to Leah Hague, Outsource Asset Manager, HSS Groundcare.

“For customer services the key benefit is visibility. With the tracking we can immediately see who is where and see if a job has started and how long it is taking. With live reporting from the engineers we can immediately see the status of every job and everything is attached to a job card – documents, photographs and the customer signature sign off – so everything is in one place and immediately accessible.”

BigChange All-in-One Management System Delivers Improved Service for D-tox

BigChange D-tox employee
Posted on by Martin Port

Portable sanitation providers D-tox have rolled out a real-time mobile and office management system to eliminate paperwork and boost productivity.

The 5 in 1 system from BigChange incorporates mobile apps running on rugged tablets and vehicle tracking, live connected to back office software for job scheduling, CRM, invoicing and management reporting.

Entirely cloud-based and seamlessly integrated, the solution from BigChange has replaced three separate systems and added new levels of automation for the business.

Established for 25 years, D-tox provides portable toilet and welfare facility products and services, with tankered liquid waste collection and non-potable water delivery. Servicing construction sites, outdoor festivals, shows and events, the West Midlands based company operates a fleet of effluent tankers and smaller vehicles for servicing, delivering and collecting portable units.

Christian Heritage, Managing Director of D-tox, comments:

“We realised several years back that we wanted to move to electronic POD’s and remove the need for paper notes, after a couple of years searching for a suitable system we found Big Change and have been actively using the system since then.”

BigChange integrates with Inspire, the hire management system used for invoicing equipment hire jobs. However BigChange handles the complete business process with call details entered into the system for job scheduling, routing with optimised allocation to vehicles and drivers.

Heritage explains:

“The good thing about BigChange is that it ticks more boxes that anything else on the market. What we really want is a single system to do everything, simply and seamlessly. And that’s what BigChange does,”

“With our hire system unable to handle jobs such as tank empties, BigChange was easily configured to manage all non-hire jobs including the invoicing.”

D-Tox drivers receive their daily jobs on their Samsung tablets running JobWatch; the BigChange mobile worker solution. Providing Google Maps navigation to site, electronic job sheets and time sheets, a JobWatch workflow takes the driver through steps that include risk assessment, photo capture and POD with customer signature sign off.

Heritage added:

“BigChange is a great management tool. By giving us instant access to all the information we need, when we need it, it greatly reduces our response time for customer queries. Any system that helps raise our levels of customer service is a great bonus.”

“We can instantly see any unallocated or incomplete jobs and crucially invoicing is linked directly to the work so as soon a job is complete we can invoice. Ultimately this means jobs cannot be invoiced unless they have been completed.”

Heritage continued:

“There are several aspects of the system that we are still looking to utilise more and these include the customer portals and job collaboration. When we have implemented these parts fully we hope to allow our customers to view their booked in jobs and PODs online. The collaboration tool will be a great asset as it allows other companies using BigChange to work with us when they want us to service units on their behalf.”

Heritage colcludes:

“We are impressed with BigChange, they seem to be constantly innovating and when we ask for things they listen and get on with developing the system. Like many family owned and operated business D-tox pride ourselves on our service levels and BigChange has really helped us improve in this area.”

BigChange D-tox van

GAP transforms business with a BigChange to mobile operations

BigChange GAP employee holds tablet
Posted on by Martin Port

GAP Hire Solutions has equipped 400 of its drivers with tablets as the first part of the roll out of a 5-in-1 management solution from BigChange.

Called JobWatch, the cloud-based system incorporates a range of mobile apps with live tracking and job scheduling. It also links in real time to GAP’s back office systems, such as their central hiredesk, CRM and financial system.

Mark Emery, GAP’s Systems Development Manager, commented:

“The BigChange solution is transforming the way we work by eliminating lots of cumbersome paper forms. The live data feeds to our central systems will result in significant benefits to the business by providing complete management visibility of our operations across the entire depot network.”

“This visibility means that for the first time we will be able to manage the entire business nationally, allowing for example, the sharing of plant and equipment between depots. We foresee JobWatch providing significant improvements in utilisation, efficiency and customer service.”

The mobile apps include electronic signature capture with proof of delivery (POD) and proof of collection (POC) records automatically uploaded onto GAP’s Smart Office system. This eliminates calls to depots as all information will be available for everyone immediately online. Ultimately GAP’s customers will have the ability to access records of their hires themselves.

The first phase of implementation sees 400 delivery drivers equipped with Samsung tablets and later GAP will extend the system to 200 customer service fitters. Delivery and collection jobs are sent directly to tablets that sit in dashboard cradles and can be quickly detached for signature capture, taking photographs and even completing vehicle checks.

Emery added:

“This new technology is going to make life a lot easier for staff and customers alike.”

“It will provide immediate and clear evidence detailing when our drivers turn up on site. An electronic signature will provide proof that equipment was delivered or collected – when and where.”

The devices have in-built data messaging and satellite navigation that automatically routes vehicles to their destination. GAP’s customer services will be able to see the exact location of every vehicle in real time to keep customers informed of ETAs and work with the driver to ensure the correct drop-off location.

The devices can be used to take time stamped and georeferenced photographs. This photo capture is also useful to provide evidence of arrival onsite and to record damage to plant. “In addition to the environmental benefits of reducing paper with JobWatch, we will be able to bill hires more quickly and with less invoice queries. If a charge is questioned we’ll be able to answer the question immediately as the data will be online,” Emery added.

Martin Port, CEO, BigChange commented:

“We are delighted to be working with GAP and looking forward to help them drive BigChange.”

LOOS FOR DOs Delivers Exceptional Service with BigChange 5 in 1 Mobile Management Solution

Loos for Do's
Posted on by Martin Port

LOOS FOR DOs, the multi-award winning supplier of toilets and showers for outdoor events, has seen its business grow exponentially since introducing a new 5 in 1 mobile management system from BigChange.

The cloud-based system links a series of mobile apps to back office management software applications including asset management, live tracking, job scheduling and routing.

Formed in 2002, LOOS FOR DOs provide portable event toilets and shower trailers to major events such as the Farnborough Air Show, the London Marathon, Victorious Festival and even Royal Weddings. Last year the company hired over 19,000 portable toilets and supplied 124,656 loo rolls; enough loo roll to stretch from their head office near Alton, Hampshire to Mecca in Saudi Arabia!

Nicky Warner, Director, LOOS FOR Dos commented:

“At the start we were managing everything with a white board and Post-it notes.”

“We looked extensively for a system that could handle the complexities of our business. The BigChange solution proved to be not only the most comprehensive but the most modern with an easy-to-use drag and drop design.”

With 30 full time staff and additional contract drivers for the events season, LOOS FOR DOs has over 1200 moveable assets which are managed using the BigChange system. The company does not shy away from taking on the most logistically challenging jobs such as festivals for 85,000 people spread across large sites to marathons, where LOOS FOR DOs deliver over 300 toilets to multiple locations along the route as the sun rises.

Warner explained:

“We have become the specialists in events which have particularly complicated logistical requirements”

“Without BigChange we simply could not handle the complexities with the resources we have. JobWatch allows us to manage the whole operation in real time and adapt quickly when things change. And events are by nature chaotic so having a flexible real-time system really makes our lives a lot easier when things do not go as planned.”

“The JobWatch mobile apps can be easily configured to handle every conceivable task and type of equipment and with seamless, real time connection with job scheduling and route planning, it really is a dynamic all-in-one management solution.”

Considerable pre-planning is needed for events and the BigChange scheduling software is used to plan asset allocation, delivery, servicing and collection. Once the job starts LOOS FOR DOs drivers, installation and service teams manage their tasks using JobWatch on their tablets or smartphones. The tablets clip into cradles in the vehicle to provide GPS navigation to the destination – using map coordinates rather than post codes for precise locations.

Warner commented:

“For customer service, the system is proving to have huge benefits. It’s not just that we can ensure a more reliable and adaptable service with minimal invoice disputes, but there are nice touches that boost customer appreciation and the retention of their business”.

“For example, we send the customer a message when their equipment is on route and when it is likely to arrive. And since the customer service team can track a vehicles’ progress, customers are called if there is a delay. We now get very few calls from customers asking where their delivery is.”

JobWatch is used for Job sheets, recording asset delivery and collection and in the situation where there are ‘no shows’ and site access is not possible, the arrival time recording and GPS location provide undisputable evidence that can be supplemented with a photograph showing, for example, a locked gate. Drivers also use a JobWatch app to do their daily vehicle checks and defects are instantly reported to the maintenance team for workshop scheduling. The system also monitors driver performance with monthly metrics reports highlighting incidents of speeding and harsh breaking.

Warner Added:

“The system handles just about everything that used to be paper based so we have been able to replace not just worksheets but also inspection forms, compliance and health and safety documentation”. We can send documents electronically to the driver to capture a signature on glass. It speeds and simplifies this necessary paperwork allowing us to improve compliance and health and safety at the same time.”

Summing up, Warner concluded:

“Since introducing the BigChange system we have been able to experience double-digit growth as we are no longer restricted by our systems. Not only that but we built a reputation as the company that can deliver a reliable service even when the logistics are particularly complex. We simply could not manage this work without the system and it has become very much embedded in our business.”

Loos for Do's team photo

BigChange Apps Mobilise Garic’s Operations to Boost Efficiency and Service

Garic
Posted on by Martin Port

Garic, the specialist welfare and site set up products provider to construction and other sites, has revolutionised its service operations with a mobile solution from BigChange Apps.

Garic has improved and streamlined their hire and service operations replacing 400 paper worksheets with an all-in-one tablet app that also provides job scheduling, asset management, live tracking and reporting.

A large part of Garic’s work involves servicing plant and welfare facilities – for example emptying waste, replenishing water and fuel. Garic recently launched a new remote equipment monitoring system called i-SITE that monitors fluids to alert service operations. Service drivers, who respond to automated service requests and scheduled jobs, are equipped with rugged Samsung tablets and are amongst the primary users of the 90 BigChange-connected devices currently in use.

With service operations previously managed at three regional depots, the company has been able to centralise the management of service operations with the BigChange mobile solution integrated with the inspHire hire management system. With their headquarters near Bury, Garic has depots in Bedford, Dudley and Bathgate, with plans for a fifth site in Thurrock this year.

Lee Williams, Programme Manager at Garic commented:

“BigChange has been central to a drive to paper-free working through an initiative called the Digital Hire Cycle”

Lee Continued:

“It’s remarkable to think that we are replacing 400 paper worksheets with a simple tablet to manage over 100 job types. And not only is BigChange saving many hours a day by eliminating form filling and data entry, but with the improved accuracy of data we are significantly reducing invoice-related disputes.”

“However, it doesn’t stop there. With real-time electronic information now available we get valuable management information from customer sites. For a hire business, quick turnaround is crucial and with BigChange we have much better visibility of our assets. For example, we now know the condition of plant before it arrives back at the depot so we can immediately schedule for re-hire or the workshop.”

BigChange offers a cloud-based solution that requires no onsite software and is fully supported, eliminating the need for specialist IT support. Easy to use and configure, BigChange is unique as it is a truly multi-functional solution that handles tasks that are traditionally spread across a number of different systems. At Garic, BigChange is used for everything from worksheets, routing and job scheduling, to vehicle safety checks and driver performance assessment.

Lee added:

“BigChange has been very accommodating to our needs and they have delivered a very simple solution to what is a very complex environment.”