David Brown, Calor’s fleet asset manager, explained the reasons the company has invested in Quartix telematics. He said: 'With such a large and diverse fleet operating throughout the UK we have many areas and aspects to monitor and consider round the clock, and often all at the same time. The Quartix Corporate service enables us to do just that.

'The main reason for fitting a tracking system is security. With transporting high profile products around the country it is important that if we need to know where an asset is at any time, that we can find it quickly. Quartix allow us to do this from any web enabled PC.

'For example, its flexible onscreen mapping shows us precisely the location of each vehicle in real-time, how fast it’s travelling and even how well it’s being driven. @PREVIEWEND@

'There are also many helpful reports, everything from updates on utilisation and capacity to driver timesheets and geo fencing alerts.

'Also, I find some of the most useful information is provided by the system’s fleet management functionality, tailored daily email reports and onscreen KPI management dashboards. With these I can keep tabs on everything that’s going on quite easily,' he added.

Quartix was awarded the contract after Calor Gas carried out a detailed study of telematics suppliers and performed extensive long-term trials.

'The trials showed the Quartix system more than met our expectations,' said Brown. 'In addition, we found we were able to work closely and easily with the Quartix engineers, who helped tailor the system to meet our own particular requirements.'

One of Calor’s specific needs was to receive live data from its vehicle pumping systems. After extensive research Quartix specialists were able to establish a connection from the vehicles’ control systems, enabling onscreen reports to be displayed via the Quartix system’s extended reporting menu. 

'This means we can see at a glance when the pump starts, stops and its operational duration at each customer site,' he added.

Calor Gas is also benefiting financially from the Quartix system’s ability to plan shorter routes and by monitoring drivers, who are encouraged to maintain safe, economical driving styles.

Andy Kirk, Quartix sales and marketing director, said: 'We are extremely pleased to help Calor Gas track and monitor its extensive UK fleet – and being able to work closely with Calor staff to achieve the company’s goals, both now and in the future.'