Fleet News readers recommend their top suppliers The greatest form of marketing is via word of mouth – referrals and recommendations are priceless.
research programme conducted among Fleet News readers and delegates at Fleet News events.
Fleet News launched the ‘recommended by readers’ programme at the start of 2009. Reader Recommended allows fleets to have their say about the companies they believe offer the best service.
The fleet business sectors highlighted in Fleet News for 2014 are fleet management software and service, maintenance, and repair (SMR).
We have received hundreds of opinions via an extensive
The software section saw Jaama recommended by Fleet News readers.
FLEET NEWS READER RECOMMENDED
Software
Top tips on making the most of your software It pays to spend time tailoring your system to your requirements Get the spec right... Trial different systems to work out what is the best fit for your fleet – it’s vital to get the specification correct. Some fleets take 6-12 months to decide the type of functionality their software system needs to fulfil, bringing together the best of various products into one ‘best-of-breed’ package. Neil Williams, group IT manager at Days Contract Hire, said: “The implementation of a functionally rich system has given us a platform through which we can introduce exciting new products and services, further driving cost-saving efficiencies and compliance for our customers.”
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...and make sure the supplier sticks to it It’s important to ensure that your supplier provides everything you have asked for. Interpretation can be an issue so you have to be clear about what you need. If you don’t go into fine detail, you could end up with something you didn’t expect and the supplier could turn round afterwards and say: “Tough, that’s what you said you wanted.” You could be hit with a hefty bill to change it.
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Visit existing customers Rather than relying on a demonstration from the supplier, go and see other companies using fleet management software. Steve Cole, deputy MD at Seven Asset Management, said: “Make site visits and take references from existing users. These help identify the capabilities of the system in their particular environments and give confidence that you are making the right decision.”
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Consider navigation One of the key aspects of a software system is navigation. With some systems you have to log out of one area and log into another one. With the best systems you can simply click from one area to the next without signing out.
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Get the costs explained Suppliers often use jargon and you need to get them to speak plain English. A full cost breakdown should include installation, configuration, data conversion, on-site training, ongoing support and third-party licence fees.
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Agree a schedule Agree dates for the consultation and development phases and the final delivery. Having a schedule allows colleagues to know where you are at and what has been agreed. The risk is that costs can increase if a supplier does more consultation than expected and charges for additional work. Check for clauses in the contract about this.
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Check who owns the data If you’re switching software companies, make sure that your current supplier will transfer the data. There may be a clause in the contract that the data is theirs. Marie Jarrold, fleet manager at BCA, said: “Fleet managers need a one-stop database that can hold and manipulate a volume of fleet data to improve overall management, efficiency and control and meet the needs of duty of care. This will also bring in cost savings, as data can be pulled on the life of the vehicle from vehicle acquisition to vehicle disposal, giving the fleet manager the opportunity to monitor, review and recommend vehicle choices on the fleet and monitor suppliers.”
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Understand whether the system is web-based or web-enabled A web-based system is built to operate in a web environment whereas web-enabled uses third party add-ons to allow the system to function over the web. Web-enabled should offer greater performance with minimal ongoing support and licence requirements.
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Think about integration Compatibility with existing systems within the fleet department is important and it is something that should be considered carefully. You should integrate all the various facets you have outsourced as well as possible with the in-house functionality.
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The system is only as good as the data that’s put into it While fleet software might take away the admin burden, fleet managers still need to monitor the data that goes into the system, such as the mileage figures drivers provide when they pay for fuel using their fuel card. And they need a system that can develop over time. As Martin Evans, MD of Jaama, puts it: “The fleet industry is always changing so it is vital that a system is bought that is also constantly evolving. It is no good investing in software that will become obsolete tomorrow which will leave the business behind and not achieve what is intended.”
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Innovation gives Jaama the edge J
aama celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, but more importantly is delighted to once again be recognised as the most recommended provider of fleet and asset management software in the UK. Jaama has won the much coveted Fleet News Reader Recommended award for the sixth successive year in 2014. The award can only be judged on innovation, technology platform, investment, ease of use and ultimately success and customer recommendation. In each area Jaama succeeds with a track record of innovative fleet management and compliance solutions which is driven by a continuous programme of investment in technology that to date averages around £1 million per year. Cutting-edge technology is at the core of Jaama’s online Key2 software solutions for fleet operators and rental and leasing companies and critically this technology has the capability to seamlessly interface with many third-party customer software systems used by finance, HR and procurement departments as well as systems operated by organisations such as the DVLA and HM Revenue and Customs.
Support is ‘second to none’ Pertemps, the largest privately-owned recruitment company in the UK, was one of the first organisations to implement Jaama’s Key2 Vehicle Management system. Ten years later and Key2 remains at the heart of Pertemps’ fleet operation, providing fully-integrated cradle to grave vehicle management, compliance – including employee and agency driver licence validation checking – and recharging functionality across the business. Pertemps’ group fleet manager Adrian Harris said: “Key2 provides Pertemps with a wide range of fully-integrated modules to meet our asset and driver management requirements. “The system enables Pertemps to optimise fleet performance, maximise efficiencies, control costs and reduce risk. It is a proven paperless system.” He added: “The service support and back-up we receive is second to none, which is why we have continued our business partnership with Jaama for a decade.”
Continuing demand for cutting-edge fleet management software solutions from Jaama has already led to a 10% growth in employees in 2014 and Jaama also expects to at least replicate its customer base growth from last year which was 18%. Customer confidence in both Jaama and its products is one of the key reasons why the organisation has achieved Fleet News Reader Recommended status for the sixth consecutive year. Another big factor is the continual functionality advancements in the Key2 software system which takes advantage of emerging technology and ensures excellent customer retention. Managing director Martin Evans said: “Our continued hard work and commitment to supply class-leading products and services has resulted in a fantastic first decade providing fleet and asset management solutions to a wide range of organisations, including many blue chip companies.” He added: “Jaama’s long-term commitment to the industry and our appetite for further expansion remains strong. “Now more than ever, fleets need cutting-edge software systems to drive improvements and efficiencies across their operations as well as ensuring legislative compliance. “Our single platform approach means that all Key2 users operate at the forefront of fleet management best practice.”
Web: jaama.co.uk Call: 0844 8484 333 Email: enquiries@jaama.co.uk