So says leading global fleet software supplier, Sofico, which adds that fleet customers would see improved service levels and enhanced product developments if contract hire companies invested in internet-based, end-to-end solutions that delivered cutting edge functionality.

Roger Smith, head of Sofico UK, whose systems manage around 700,000 vehicles globally, said: ‘UK contract hire and leasing companies pride themselves on their service levels to fleet customers, and rightly so because they are amongst the best in the world.

‘But, in many cases, they are being hamstrung by the legacy systems that they are working with, often as a result of takeovers,  mergers and consolidation within the industry.’

‘If leasing companies were using the right systems which offered full interactivity, e-reporting and e-invoicing as well as driver self-service functionality, fleet customers would benefit from enhanced service levels, improved efficiencies, better response times and, ultimately, lower prices,’ he added.

Sofico believes it has the right credentials to address these technology shortcomings for leasing companies. Headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, the independently-owned company has implemented its solutions in 14 countries at more than 70 sites.

The company recently launched its second-generation Miles software system in the UK, developed specially for contract hire and leasing companies and is currently in contract discussions with a number of leading leasing companies.

The Miles system is not only highly flexible, it is compatible with all supplier systems, allowing information on whole life costs, residual values, SMR costs and other data to be easily integrated.

It also provides leasing company users with complete coverage of the full UK leasing life-cycle, including comprehensive driver, fleet manager and supplier web facilities. And Sofico says that the Miles system is a continually improving product as it invests 10% of its annual turnover in research and development for the system.  

All Miles functionality can be web delivered and the system provides a suite of modules that allow the user to manage a complete array of leasing company services and interactions across a variety of interfaces, including  customers, prospects, brokers and drivers.

‘Obviously, we believe that Miles is the best system for contract hire and leasing companies bar none, but then we would say that. What gives us confidence in the quality and suitability of the product is the number of leasing companies around the world who use it to supply and manage their customers’ fleets more effectively,’ added Mr Smith.