SCAS operates a fleet of almost 1,000 vehicles including lease cars, rapid response cars/motorcycles, ambulances and patient transport vehicles. In addition, SCAS runs a total of five workshops and a vehicle commissioning unit, which is responsible for adding specialist equipment to vehicles.

A key requirement for the system was that it would operate across the fleet. SCAS was formed from the three county ambulance services in Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire together with Buckinghamshire from the Two Shires Ambulance Service, and each county had its own fleet management system that wouldn't interact with the others.

Jaama's web-based Key2 Vehicle Management and Workshop Management system was chosen as a result of a competitive tender and the implementation of the new technology is now underway with 24 users undergoing training.

Apart from giving system users complete fleet and parts visibility, SCAS expects to be able to trim fuel costs as management reports from fuel card provider Arval will be integrated into the system.

Another benefit of the Jaama system is as an aid to improved driver and accident management. SCAS operates a points system that sees drivers given points for blameworthy accidents based on the severity of the incident. When the number of points collected reach a pre-determined level drivers have to complete a re-education programme.

Finally, introduction of Key2 is also enabling SCAS to centralise much of its fleet administration in one location in Southampton.

Rick Stillman, South Central Ambulance Service's head of fleet, said: 'We are aiming to deliver significantly improved vehicle operating efficiencies and reduce costs as a result of introducing the technology. Jaama has been very approachable and supportive in enabling SCAS to achieve all of its key objectives.'