Challenge:
Farms and farm animals wait for no one – that’s why Professional Farm Services, a Cambridge-based sales and service company, is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Director Dave McMillan emphasises that providing highly responsive customer service is crucial for success in the farm industry. With a diverse clientele including dairy and dry stock farmers, lifestyle block owners, and local district councils, the company faced challenges in managing vehicle efficiency, accurate mileage reporting, and staff communication in rural environments.
The Teletrac Navman system has become a business tool for us and we wouldn’t be without it. It has smartened up a lot of things in the business.
- Dave McMillan, Director
Solution:
When Dave learned about GPS fleet tracking, he recognised its potential to enhance operations. After initially installing the system in about 10 vehicles, they expanded it across the entire fleet. Teletrac Navman Qubes and M-Navs were installed in the vehicles, with staff using the Teletrac Navman DIRECTOR software daily to monitor vehicle locations. This technological upgrade allowed Dave to quickly respond to urgent requests by identifying the nearest available technician through the Teletrac Navman app on his phone.
The solution also included improving mileage management, rural navigation, and maintenance tracking. The DIRECTOR maintenance module was leveraged to monitor vehicle upkeep, ensuring timely alerts for essential maintenance tasks.
Results:
The implementation of the Teletrac Navman system led to significant improvements for Professional Farm Services. Key results include:
- Cost Savings: The business saved approximately $125 per vehicle per month due to accurate mileage tracking, which significantly improved charged-out mileage accuracy and reduced disputes with clients.
- Enhanced Navigation: Staff utilised M-Navs for efficient navigation in rural areas, enabling better routing and communication, thus minimising unnecessary trips for materials or equipment collection.
- Maintenance Management: The DIRECTOR maintenance module improved oversight of vehicle and equipment maintenance, allowing the team to track service history and maintain client equipment more effectively.
About Professional Farm Services:
Professional Farm Services has been operational since 1984, providing comprehensive support to the farming community. They manage a fleet of around a dozen vehicles and have a team of skilled technicians who specialise in installing and maintaining water and vacuum pumps, as well as offering electrical and engineering services. The commitment to responsive service has been a cornerstone of their business philosophy, ensuring that they remain a one-stop shop for their clients' farming needs.