Over the course of 35 years, Inform UK have established a reputation for innovation and efficiency as suppliers to the construction industry. From their base in Cambridge, they produce reinforcement, accessories and form-work systems for businesses nationwide.
Wishing to further enhance their fleet management systems, Inform UK sought a reputed FORS Assist programme to bring their operation into line with the highest recognized standard. Chartwise UK were perfectly placed to provide the comprehensive architecture necessary to take the Inform fleet to the next level.
As part of the Ischebeck Titan group, Inform UK are inspected regularly by a logistics specialist from their head office. It was during one of these inspections (a FORS pre-audit) that outdated processes within the system were found. The specialist was known to Chartwise UK, having already taken advice from our EU Drivers’ Hours expert Chris Allen.
Following the FORS pre-audit, Inform UK brought us into the fold to modernize their tachograph analysis and working time record management systems. The system in place required self-management of data uploads and report generation; the Inform team had neither the time or technical expertise necessary to make this sustainable.
Only two meetings were required to get the ball rolling. The first took place on-site between Chartwise M.D. Paul King, Inform’s Operations Manager and the logistics specialist. During this consultation, Inform UK signed on as a Compliance client and had card reading software installed at their depot.
The second meeting was an online video call between our M.D., Fleet Support Manager and the Inform Operations Manager. In the course of this consultation, the full compliance infrastructure was set up and demonstrated with full training.
From the initial consultation to the integration of the solution, the process took less than a week. As there was a backlog of working time reports required for use in the impending FORS audit, this was the first cluster of data to be put through the new system. The first section of the backlog was processed the week following integration, and going forward, regular reports were scheduled for conversion each month.
There were no significant roadblocks. However, the Inform team placed emphasis on the importance of regular data downloads, as this was the major aspect of the previous system that they found difficult to maintain. Due to the Chartwise reminder system implemented as part of the package, it did not take long to establish regularity.
For data collection and report processing, we are in contact bimonthly. We also provide annual CPC/ADR training for their drivers, and carry out an audit every two years to ensure the system remains fully compliant with the highest standards.
Inform receive updates to their infrastructure in line with the Chartwise continuous development programme. As a compliance customer on a fixed term contract, Inform enjoy all advances in procedure and technology as and when they are released.
The latest release of the software will allow the Inform team to deal with driver infringements in real time, as well as monitor reports and download records via tablets and smartphones. This will allow Inform to manage its fleet remotely, and take appropriate action quicker and more efficiently.
Inform UK continue to be fully compliant with the standards of FORS, and, considering the effectiveness of the system implemented by Chartwise, we are confident that the fleet will continue to run smoothly under the DVSA’s Earned Recognition Scheme.
Following the FORS pre-audit, Inform UK brought us into the fold to modernize their tachograph analysis and working time record management systems.
The system in place required self-management of data uploads and report generation; the Inform team had neither the time or technical expertise necessary to make this sustainable.
