Swift Scaffolding has become the first Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Gold-rated organisation to sign up for the new FORS Fleet Management System (FMS).
Developed by FleetCheck, the software was launched in September for FORS members seeking to attain and maintain FORS Bronze, Silver and Gold accreditations as set out in the FORS Standard.
Swift, which runs a fleet of six HGVs, 14 vans, 13 company cars and nine trailers, is using the software to replace a system of whiteboards and paper.
Logistics manager, Mervyn Rolf explained: “Being FORS Gold accredited, we need to be on the ball with every aspect of fleet management from eyesight and health checks on our drivers to safety compliance on our vehicles and trailers. Therefore, it was important to find a robust system like FORS-FMS.
“Before, everything was being managed on paper or on whiteboards making it, for example, really difficult to keep on top of servicing without spending sometimes hours sorting through paperwork to pinpoint key dates.”
FORS FMS also brings the benefit of integrated data from Swift’s fuel card provider to provide instant access to accurate CO2 reporting tools and intuitive technology to help monitor driver behaviour and identify driving habits.
The software has also enabled Rolf to gain immediate control of vehicle and driver-related activity, with all tasks forward-planned, properly managed and recorded in a centralised system for future reference.
He said: “Having our data centralised has meant I can be 100% sure that all our vehicles are being constantly monitored and that no faults or defects are missed.”
More than 150 fleets have now signed up to trial FORS FMS. Paul Wilkes, FORS business services manager, said: “Fleets have been quick to recognise its potential and the feedback from those such as Swift that have started to use it is very positive. Over the next few months, we expect take-up to increase rapidly. This is a genuinely useful fleet tool.”
