Langdons switch to Seven TranScan's Cool Track system
Langdons have used a satellite tracking system linked with Seven TranScan temperature recorders for some years but were unhappy with their previous service and equipment providers. After evaluating several alternatives they recently chose to switch to Seven TranScan for the provision of live web based temperature monitoring and vehicle location using their COOL TRACK system.
 Langdons are a leading provider of temperature controlled logistics running a complex dual temperature (frozen and chilled) shared-user distribution operation. Their key requirement was to reduce the costs of claims by means of immediate access to internal temperature records throughout their 200+ vehicle fleet. In addition of course they wanted to improve operational efficiencies by using the vehicle location reports.
Langdons' ICT Director Spencer Dixon explains the reasons behind the decision to go with Seven TranScan, "We knew exactly what we wanted to achieve with a temperature and tracking system, we just needed a company that could offer us a solution that met all our criteria. Seven TranScan gave us the highest quality service from the initial meeting, through the demonstration period and difficult installation project, and the training and after sales support has been excellent. Cool Track has enabled us to reduce operating costs and we are satisfied that we are getting an excellent return on our investment".
Langdons' CHILLNET operation is aimed at supply side logistics for consignments finally destined for the food service, wholesale and manufacturing trades. Over 15,000 pallets per week are passing through this network which covers the UK and Ireland via six Langdons depots and six partner depots which are connected by bulk trunkers. The average consignment going through this system is a little over two pallets which means that they are making well over 1,000 deliveries per day. Managing this dual temperature, shared-user operation with multiple delivery runs at the final stage is a demanding task.
Cool Track has been extremely useful to Langdons' customer service department who frequently take calls enquiring as to the whereabouts of consignments. Langdons' IT system details which vehicle the consignment is on and very quickly Cool Track can display the journey history of that vehicle, enabling the customer to receive an estimate of delivery time as well as a live temperature reading. Alarms are also instantly visible when internal temperatures vary beyond set parameters.
The installation involved fitting 216 units in total at seven different locations whilst the operation was ongoing, with a specification that included a full "health check" of all the existing Seven TranScan recorders, as well as the retro-fitment of door switches (to monitor opening and closing of rear and side doors) and replacement temperature probes where needed.
Spencer adds, "We are confident that Cool Track has taken Langdons a major step forward in what was already a very sophisticated IT based management structure. Temperature controlled logistics is a high risk activity but Cool Track is helping to minimise those risks whilst reducing costs".
|
|
|
|
