Many existing customers are switching to FuelWorks - the Merridale web-based fuel management service. For Fullers, the opportunity to upgrade came with the installation of a new fuelling point at its headquarters in Slough.
Commenting on FuelWorks, Nigel Carter (Transport Operations Manager) was impressed with the additional functionality offered by the web service, saying:
“It is so much easier for creating reports and setting up management alerts. We have a complete picture of our fuelling status; tank levels are reported daily and we get a timely warning for re-order. Should any vehicle show excessive usage, this will also get flagged up as a warning message.
It is so much easier for creating reports and setting up management alerts. We have a complete picture of our fuelling status; tank levels are reported daily and we get a timely warning for re-order. Should any vehicle show excessive usage, this will also get flagged up as a warning message.
Since this is a web service, we can focus on the fuel management without having to worry about system administration. Should we have any queries, Merridale provide an excellent help desk service.”
Nigel adds: “An important benefit for me is the preparation of the monthly audit report, as time taken to do this has been reduced significantly.”
Apart from its core factory logistics fleet, Fullers flexes the number of units to meet bespoke and ad-hoc customer demand, and these vehicles are fuelled against a master-key for convenience. These transactions have to be manually updated with the vehicle details and odometer readings, taken from the fuelling point log. Previously this was quite a laborious task.
“With FuelWorks this is now significantly reduced, and it is much easier to locate and update the respective transactions,” says Nigel.
The upgrade to Merridale FuelWorks was part of an on-going programme to restructure the Fullers Group’s facilities in Slough. Whilst additional operating facilities have been taken on in Colnbrook, the decision was taken to bring the fuelling facilities onto the Fairlie Road and Edinburgh Avenue sites.
An underground tank at Fairlie Road provides diesel for road going vehicles whilst a tank at Edinburgh Avenue provides gas oil for our materials handling equipment and shunt tugs. Both fuelling points are equipped with contents monitoring and GPRS communications enabling Fullers to track usage and stock levels automatically.
Summarising the role of fuel management, Nigel Cart states:
“All road going vehicles refuel on return to base. We need to ensure that the re-order level marries with volume throughput. Timing is a crucial factor. Fuel deliveries are made during the night for safety and access, as both fuelling locations are extremely busy during the day.”
The Fullers Group provides end-to-end multi-channel fulfilment; factory contract services and EU and UK ambient and temperature controlled distribution services. Group companies are located in the heart of the Thames Valley; on the Hampshire/Surrey border; in Dover and in North Killingholme near to Immingham.
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