Real time updates bring increased speed and efficiency

Posted 25.04.2016

The coordination and control of manpower, equipment, materials and subcontractors can be something of a logistical challenge for a planing organisation.

At Tripod Crest, the company traditionally used whiteboards but given the growth of the business and increased fleet size, it has just invested in a state of the art electronic system that means everything is much more visible, enabling quicker updates and increased efficiencies all round.

Managers now have an instant overview of where everything is and where everyone is working, and the communication of changes can be made in real time. Any new status is sent to operatives via email. Additionally, site supervisors can access the system remotely, which given Tripod Crest is a 24/7 operation is a huge benefit to customers, team members and suppliers alike.

Back of house the financials are all integrated across the booking of new jobs and changes to existing remits so that every contract is run with the very latest data and detail, and revised accordingly.

Finance director Nick Iddon commented: “Now that we have 32 planers and associated crews, we needed to undertake a full review of our systems to step up a gear as a provider and to ensure that we are able to offer the best possible service to our customers. Specifically, we need to be able to respond to changes in circumstances and conditions and accommodate revised requirements. Our new electronic board has been well received by all stakeholders. Given it refreshes every 30 seconds, everyone is appreciating having access to the very latest status.”

This innovation was developed and supplied by Access UK, comprising the board itself which is branded Focal Point and supported by the finance package called Dimension.

Senior Coordinator said: “The new electronic board has transformed the way we work. Not only is it really easy to use, but it is impossible not to make updates following any specific new piece of information – because it does it for you!”

Foreman Graham Woolerton added: “Receiving instructions direct from the control centre means we know that the information is the very latest status and also that the software will have automatically made any necessary updates to other parts of the organisation.”

Tripod Crest’s planing division has seriously benefitted from the electronic board and so the plan is to extend this new technology to the rest of the group. Watch this electronic space!