mandata spring 2013 newsletter

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Transport and Logistics Solutions In this issue... In conversation with Paul Phillips of Jays Logistics New systems give The Bartrum Group solid foundations for growth Investment in training pays off for Cumbria Logistics Product News: Manpack3 New Release In-Cab Scanning and new PDA software launched SPRING 2013 Blaze highlights importance of data backups at Ramage Transport TOP STORY Page 8

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Newsletter for Mandata Transport and Logistics Solutions

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Page 1: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

Transport and Logistics Solutions

In this issue...In conversation withPaul Phillips of Jays Logistics

New systems give The Bartrum Group solid foundations for growth

Investment in training pays offfor Cumbria Logistics

Product News:Manpack3 New ReleaseIn-Cab Scanning and new PDA software launched

SPRING 2013

Blaze highlights importance of data backups at Ramage Transport

TOP STORY Page 8

Page 2: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

Client Newsletter : Spring 2013

Operations Director

FOREW0RD: JIM NELSON

I am pleased to introduce our new look newsletter ‘INSIDE TRACK’ and to share insights from customers who are working with Mandata solutions at the heart of their business. I hope you enjoy catching up on their stories and our news.

This issue has a real buzz about it. We’re working in such challenging times; it’s good to hear our customers’ candid views as to how their systems are having a positive impact on their business. Whether it’s reducing costs, automating manual processes, or simplifying and easing operational challenges, Mandata solutions are helping customers to resolve many different issues faced by the Transport and Logistics industry today.

Paul Phillips, Operations Manager at Jays Logistics, which is part of the RT Keedwell Group of companies and David Gunson, Company Secretary of The Bartrum Group share their reasons for deciding to switch over to Manpack3 and the benefits they’ve realised since.

Nicky Harris, Office Manager at Cumbria Logistics comments on how the company’s investment in training has made a real difference to staff in helping them gain a greater understanding of Manpack3 and how it is helping to pinpoint areas where the business can make improvements.

In September 2012, Ramage Transport, one of our very first clients, suffered a fire at their transport office and warehouse. Robin Ramage, Operations Director explains how the company was able to make a remarkable recovery following the disaster with the help of our team and a robust data backup plan.

Our continued growth and expansion is testament to our customers’ success and I personally wish to thank our customers for their ongoing commitment to Mandata. As a result of our growth we continue to make key appointments to our team and we are delighted to introduce some of our new employees to you here in our newsletter.

I hope to see you at one of the exhibitions we’ll be attending throughout March and April this year including; IHMX Exhibition, The CV Show and MultiModal, and wish you every success in the coming year.

Jim Nelson

Page 3: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

www.mandata.co.uk

SPRING 2013

Product News: New Manpack3 releaseIn-Cab ScanningNew PDA Software

Events Diary:Forthcoming exhibitions

In conversation wIth:Paul Phillips, Jays LogisticsGroup realises tangible benefits from TMS upgrade

Case Study: Ramage TransportBlaze highlights importance of data backups

Case Study: David Gunson, The Bartrum GroupMandata solutions provide solid foundations for growth and profitability

Case Study: Cumbria LogisticsInvestment in staff training pays off

Inside view: Face ValueAccount Manager Steve Platt explains why he believes there’s no substitute for face to face communications

Team News:Mandata’s Expansion Hear from our new members of staff

A warm welcome:New Mandata Customers

FEATURED STORIES

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For more information on any of the features or services discussed in INSIDE TRACK please call us on +44 (0)191 2502220 email us at [email protected] or visit our website www.mandata.co.uk

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Share your news!Would you like to appear in future editions of Inside Track?Please contact Tracy Welford with your news (email: [email protected]).

Page 4: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

Client Newsletter : Spring 2013

PRODUCT NEWS

New Manpack3 ReleaseUpgrade to the new release of Manpack3 TMS and benefit from the following new features:

Quotation moduleThe new Quotation module will allow your business to raise, track and convert customer quotations. It integrates seamlessly with the Manpack3 TMS to allow rapid access to essential sales information and eliminates duplication of tasks and data entry.

Features include:• FullintegrationtoManpack3TMSdata

• Effortlessroutinetoraisejobquotations

• Tailoredquotedocuments

• Quotedocumentsdeliveredeasilyviae-mail

• Designable‘QuoteDiary’toallowviewing,filteringandsearchingof quotations raised

• MultipleQuoteDiariescanallownumerousspecificdisplayse.g.user,customer,jobtypeetc.

• Quickandeasyquoteacceptanceprocedure

• Simpleviewofacceptedandoutstandingquotes

• SeamlessintegrationofacceptedquotestotheTrafficPad in Manpack3

• Synchronisationofdatabetweenacceptedquotesand‘live’ jobsraised

• Fullreportingandanalysisofquotesraised,convertedetc.

Postcode sector to sector mileages

Simplify planning and pricing with the aid of the new Postcode Sector to Sector Mileage Tool which enables you to calculate the mileage between two postcode locations at sector level.

Favourites menuTake a shortcut to your most commonly used menu options by adding them to a favourites menu.

Customisable skins Change the look and feel of your Manpack3 graphical interface to match your company’s corporate colours using new customisable skins.

Automatic customer self-bill matchingDramaticallyreducetheworkinvolvedinreconcilingcustomerself-bill invoices. When an electronic invoice is received, Manpack3 will automatically match it against the work you’ve done. With a successful matchrateof95%theAutomaticCustomerSelf-billMatchingToolcanhelp you to make substantial efficiency savings.

Please note this feature will need to be customised before it can be integrated fully with your systems. Please contact your Account Manager for details.

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Existing customers can upgrade to the new release of Manpack3 by contacting our Support Team on +44 (0) 191 244 9300. If you’re not currently using Manpack3 but would like to know how it can improve your business contact our sales team on: +44 (0) 191 250 2220.

Page 5: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

www.mandata.co.uk

To arrange a demonstration of In-Cab Scanning or to request further details contact Mandata on: +44 (0) 191 250 2220.

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We are attending a variety of trade shows this year. Come along to meet our team and see our range of products:

19th to 22nd March 2013IMHX 2013NEC BirminghamStand 17R88

9th to 11th April 2013The Commercial Vehicle Show 2013NEC BirminghamStand 4D108

23rd to 25th April 2013Multimodal 2013NEC Birmingham Stand 211

In-Cab Scanning system launchedDo you need to provide POD’s to your customers shortly after a delivery has been made? Following successful trials with customers including Elddis Transport, Mandata is pleased toannouncethelaunchofitsnewIn-CabScanningsystem.Itallowsadrivertoaccessmanifestinformation whilst on the road via an Android device (PDA or mobile phone). When the load has been dropped and the documentation signed for, the driver scans the paperwork using a mobile scanner connected to the Android device. The resulting image is then sent via a data connection to his head office for processing.

Mandata’s system automates the procedure so that POD’s can be on their way to you within minutes and details saved to Manpack3. The system enables the full process to be completed inoneactionwithoutthetimeconsumingprocessofdrivershavingtomanuallycheckjobsofftheirpapermanifests,anditenablesyoutoinvoicequicklyonceajobiscomplete.

We are shortly expecting to release the same functionality for Mandata customers running the Manifesting / PDA software.

EVENTS DIARYSimplify your requirement to conduct routine vehicle inspections at the right frequency using Mandata’s latest PDA software.

With Mandata’s Vehicle Inspection software drivers can complete a standard set of checks on their vehicles using their PDA. Inspections are recorded in a few easy steps and photographic evidence, including digital signatures, can be saved to the PDA and uploaded to your Advanced Services system in real-time.Automaticemailswillalsokeepyouinformed of any issues or defects that occur.

Doyouneedtoconductpre-deliveryinspections on high value goods as they are delivered? The software enables drivers tocompletepre-definedchecks,makenotes,takephotographsandcapturedigitalsignatures relating to any item.

ThelatestversionofMandataPDAsoftwareintegrateswiththeCo-Pilotsatellitenavigationsuite.Thesoftwarecanalsoincludereal-timetrafficinformationandinstantmessagingbetween Manpack3 and the PDA to ensure seamless communication between your traffic planners and drivers.

New PDA software reduces the administrative burden of vehicle and pre-delivery inspections

To learn more about our Vehicle and Pre-delivery Inspection PDA software please contact your Mandata Account Manager or call us on +44 (0) 191 250 2220.

Partnership with N2 to supply PDA’s Mandata is working with N2 Limited, a supplier of mobile communications devices to provide a complete end-to-end service to customers.ByworkingwithN2weaimtohelpyousimplifythesourcingandmanagementofmobiledevices.N2cansupplyPDA’swithpre-loadedMandatasoftware as well as manage manufacturer warranty returns and repairs for you. For more information and assistance with sourcing PDA’s please speak to your Mandata Account Manager.

Page 6: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

Client Newsletter : Spring 2013

Paul Phillips Jays Logistics

Part of the RT Keedwell Group

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Paul Phillips Operations Manager of Jays Logistics Limited, shares an insight into why the Group chose Mandata’s solutions and the benefits it has realised since implementing Manpack3, Tracking and Telematics.

There are eleven companies within the RT Keedwell Group which operate in excess of 400 vehicles and employ over 450 staff in eleven depots throughout the UK. Jays is also a member of The Pallet Network (TPN), a network of over 100 depots in the UK and Ireland.

What were the main reasons for choosing the Mandata solution?

We looked for the most appropriate transport management system that would suit our business model.

We chose Manpack3 for its flexibility to align closely to our needs and for the way that it efficiently integrated all eleven depots and our pallet network.

We were impressed by the versatility of the system,theback-uponofferandMandata’sability to provide a complete package.

What system did you have in place previously?

JaysLogisticswasreliantonapaper-basedsystem, made up of MS Excel spreadsheets, so implementing a new system was a big undertaking for us.

The system was rolled out depot by depot and Jays led the way. Once we had the system bedded in it was then implemented across the rest of the Group.

What are the main benefits you’ve realised as a result of installing the systems?

One of the biggest advantages has been the removal of manual processes and duplication of work. Everyone can see the benefits – with featuressuchason-linejobentry,itmeansthatwedon’thavetore-enterinformationintodifferent systems.

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“Clients actually pay us quicker if they receive

an electronic invoice than if we send out a hard

copy - we email invoices out together with the POD

attached and it just works.”

GROUP REALISES TANGIBLE BENEFITS FROM TMS UPGRADE

Page 7: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

www.mandata.co.uk

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From our customers’ point of view – we’ve simplified systems by providing them with consolidated invoicing. Being able to send electronic invoices has also been a big bonus for us. It’s saving Jays somewhere in the region of £5,000 to £6,000 per annum. Wedidaprojecttoseejusthowmuchweweresavinginprint,postage,envelopes and staff time and we were amazed at the extent of the savings.

Also we’ve seen our debtor days reduce. Clients actually pay us quicker if they receive an electronic invoice than if we send out a hard copy - we email invoices out together with the POD attached and it just works. We invoice on a weekly basis and not only do clients pay quicker, but the speed of processing the invoicing has also increased.

Another major benefit has been the visibility of work. We can see what’s to be done and what’s being done. Trackers are linked to the system so if a driver enters a delivery point,sayinLeeds,thejobismarkedasbeingdeliveredwithoutushavingtofollow up with the driver. We know where the driver is so we can plan deliveries and collections easily.

We’re a pallet network and by grouping jobs together, we can make the jobs more efficient, and the system makes things easier to plan.

Normal pallet companies are delivering 100 pallets per day, we’re delivering over 200-250 per day, integrated from three networks - all of our jobs are now integrated together on to the one system, which is far simpler.

The system’s also saving us time. We can get inundated with ETA enquiries and before having the Tracking system, we would need to call a driver to see where he was. Now, we can tell what time the delivery is due to arrive without having to ring and ask the driver.

The biggest number of calls in transport are ETA queries and this system has reduced the amount of calls we make dramatically – now we have no need to call drivers as we can see the system ourselves.

We’reamulti-dropcompanyandcanhavearound16deliveriesonboardeachvehicle.We can see how the load is routed and using Telematics, we’re able to monitor driver behaviour, monitor miles per gallon etc. We use this system for coaching drivers and we do three monthly reviews that help us to demonstrate the improvements that need to be made.

What have been your experiences of working with Mandata?

The main benefit of working with Mandata is that we don’t need to go to anybody else -alltheservicesweneedareofferedbyMandata.Theymanagedthetransitiontoournewsystemscarefullyandprovidedexcellentsupportandback-upalongtheway.

Page 8: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

Client Newsletter : Spring 2013

BLAZE HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF DATA BACKUPS

Ramage Transport

CASE STUDY

ArecentfireatRamageTransportLimitedsparkedaco-ordinatedefforttorestorethecompany’s mission critical systems and minimise disruption to its operations and customers.

The company’s disaster recovery plan together with support provided by Mandata, ensured it was able to make a remarkably quick recovery after its transport office and warehouse were severely damaged.

“We hit deadlines because we’re internally organised

with Manpack3. It’s a planning tool that helps us

to be efficient and meet our customer’s expectations.”

As 50 fire fighters fought to contain the blaze, which began early one Saturday morning, members of Mandata’s technical team worked tirelessly over the weekend to restore the company’s data and provide replacement systems. With systems fully operational one day after the fire, Ramage was able to resume normal operations and begin the recovery process.

Ramage Transport is a family owned and operated business based in North Shields. It provides transport and logistics and warehousing services, and is part of the Palletways distribution network. The company prides itself on providing a good quality, timely and reliable service and simplifies logistics for customers by integrating fully into their supply chain, often assuming the role of their own haulage department.

Robin Ramage, Ramage Transport Operations Director attributes the company’s ability to continually meet high standards of service to Mandata’s Transport Management System (TMS) Manpack3.

“We hit deadlines because we’re internally organised with Manpack3. It’s a planning tool that helps us to be efficient and meet our customer’s expectations.”

“Manpack3 is basically a variety of different systems under one umbrella that gives us full traceability throughout the haulage and storage process. An order can be driven straight from the point of initial contact with a customer, to implementation, procurement and delivery - all the way through to POD and invoicing at the end.”

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Page 9: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

www.mandata.co.uk

Not sure how to tell whether your data backups are working properly? Visit our website for a simple Data Backup Guide.

Witha24x7x365operation,businesscontinuityandtheabilitytorecoverquicklyfromanydisaster were priorities for the firm. With Manpack3 central to its operations, it was vital that its transport management system could be restored to minimise disruption, should a disaster occur.

The purpose of the company’s data recovery strategy was to protect information essential to the daytodayrunningofthebusiness,suchassupplierandcustomerinformation,outstandingjobsinprogress,stocklevelsetc.Databackupsweretakenoff-siteattheendofeachday,testedanderrors corrected to maintain validity of the data.

Within a day, Mandata’s team had restored the most recent data backup to a replacement server and provided a network of PC’s to ensure operations could continue as normal.

WiththeTMSasup-to-dateaspossible,stockcouldbeassessedfordamage,enablingRamageTransport’s customers to make provision for any loss.

THE DATA RECOVERY PROCESSRobin Ramage said: “What minimised disruption to our business, was gaining a list of stock that was in the warehouse at the time of the incident. When we were notified about the fire, we contacted our customers straight away to warn them that there could be a serious loss of stock. They needed to know what stock was affected as quickly as possible, so that they could brief their own customers.”

“Having our systems restored so quickly enabled us to accurately report the loss of stock to our customers within a short period of time. This was the single most important action that minimised disruption to us and our customers.”

“Within 24 hours of the fire starting, we were fully operational. Our customers were very impressed with the speed with which we were able to confirm the scope of the damage to their stock, which in turn enabled them to protect their own supply chain – it is a true testament to Mandata’s service that we were able to protect our relationships with our customers.”

ComeMondaymorning,Ramagehadfullvisibilityofwhatjobswereonthesystemandvehicleswere turned around and out the door as usual without any loss or deterioration of service.

Robin Ramage said: “If Mandata hadn’t been able to recover the data so quickly and supply replacement hardware etc., it would have had serious repercussions for our business. Not only were we able to prove to our customers that we are capable of recovering from a major incident, but Mandata proved how much value they add to our business, and that their disaster recovery services do work.”

Ramage now operate out of temporary accommodation whilst work is ongoing to reinstate their warehouse and offices.

IS YOUR DATA PROTECTED?

We offer a range of services to protect your business from the loss of mission critical data and systems in the event of a disaster. From on-line data backup to off-site data storage, our services simplify and strengthen the data backup process for you.

On-line data backupsDepending on the bandwidth available, we can automatically backup your data once or twice a day. Your data is encrypted before it is transmitted off-sitetoourfullysecuredatacentreand is available any time you need to retrieve it.

Replication of dataInformation can be copied electronically from your database to our secure data centre as often as a second by secondbasis.Withaccesstoup-to-dateinformation, you’ll retain information such as sales order invoices and POD’s that could otherwise be lost or take some time to recover.

Full Data Recovery

We can make a number of secure internet connections available to your staff so they can access a copy of your Manpack3, Mandata Warehousing or Sage systems. In the event of a disaster your business can continue without disruption until alternative arrangements can be made.

For more information about our data recovery services give us a call or visit our website: www.mandata.co.uk

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Page 10: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

Client Newsletter : Spring 2013

MANDATA SOLUTIONS PROVIDE SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR GROWTH

The Bartrum Group

CASE STUDY When The Bartrum Group Limited looked for a supplier that was ahead of the times, they chose Mandata and its range of solutions to provide a rock solid foundation on which to build its future growth and profitability.

Eighty four years ago, Leonard Bartrum purchased the lorry he was driving from his employer and set up his own transport company. Now in its ninth decade, the company has expanded into a group of companieswithaturnoverofover£26mofferingawideportfolioofservicesincludinggeneralandbulkhaulage, pallet distribution including hazardous freight and vehicle servicing and maintenance. The Bartrum Group is a driving force in the transport industry; employs over 270 people and operates 150 vehicles and 250 trailers from its head office in Eye, Suffolk.

Inthepast12monthstheGrouphasundergoneamajoroverhaulofitsaccountsandtransportmanagement systems by implementing Manpack3, Sage Accounts, Sage Payroll and Workshop Management.

“We’d outgrown our existing systems and knew if we

were to move with the times, we needed to work

with a software provider that was working ahead of

the times.”

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Page 11: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

www.mandata.co.uk

We’d outgrown our existing systems and knew if we were to move with the times, we needed to work with a software provider that was working ahead of the times.

Moving to a new system was a daunting task, but Mandata’s deep knowledge of the industry and its approach to product development gave us the confidence we needed to make the change. We believed that Mandata’s solutions would give us the scope and flexibility that we needed to be able to integrate all of our systems across the Group, and to support our continued growth and profitability.

In October 2011 we transferred our accounts system to a Sage 200 platform. This gave us three months in which to bed the system in beforeouryear-end.WethenimplementedManpack3, and the Workshop module followed a few months later.

The transition to the new systems was, at times like smooth water, whilst at other times it was like riding the Grand National. We knew upgrading our systems was going to bring big challenges for our staff and our business but nothing we experienced was insurmountable. We were realistic and understood we couldn’t buy the system and have it working exactly as we needed it to straight out of the box. Like any other system, you need to tinker with it and you needtobepreparedtoinvestinitson-goingdevelopment – that really is the key to success. If you don’t, you’ll not make the most of the system.

The installation went very well and we were totally indebted to Wendy Eagle and Lynne McDougall from Mandata who worked with us throughout the process. We now have a system that’s tailored to the way we want it to work and we’re looking forward to developing it further.

With streamlined administration, we can now see the wood for the trees and we’ve got full traceability and accountability across the Group. By automating manual processes we’ve made big improvements to the way we work and have been able to achieve efficiencies in all areas of the business.

When we changed over to Manpack3, we started to scan POD’s which we were previously photocopying. Now we have even greater functionality and we’re emailing documents which we used to handle manually, such as statements, remittances, invoices etc. so it has made life so much easier.

The vehicle costing feature will enable us to focus on the profitability of all of our various vehicles and I am in no doubt that the system will quickly pay for itself. The returns will be endless.

We’renowlookingtodoin-cabcommunication. We’ve already got Telematics and Vehicle Tracking and now needtomarryitallupintoonein-cabdeviceandrolloutin-cabscanning,whichweseeas a great benefit.

Thishasbeenabigprojectforus,butnow the systems are in, we’ve got rock solid foundations to build on. We’re so impressed with Mandata’s systems -weshouldhaveimplementedthem five years ago!

Manage your workshop in harmony with your TMS

With full integration with Manpack3, the Mandata Workshop system is designed to facilitate the management of all aspects of your garage or workshop in harmony with the rest of your business.

No matter what the size or complexity of your fleet, you will gain accurate information regarding your fleet inreal-timesothatanyWorkshopMaintenance programme is reflected in your TMS. Problem areas are highlighted immediately on screen or in the form of written reports.

The Workshop system can draw your attention to key problem areas such as a particular category of vehicles or a site. It can help you to identify areas of high cost, which could range from fuel and tyres to repairs and maintenance. Performancecanbejudgedagainstaverage or budget, and direct causes of inefficiency can be pinpointed, for example, unusually high expenditure on brakes, allowing you to take immediate and fully informed action.

A vehicle inspection function is fully integrated with PDA’s and enables drivers to record required fixes as problems occur enabling essential vehicle maintenance to be planned in parallel with your TMS.

Discover how Workshop Management can simplify your vehicle servicing and maintenance procedures. Contact Mandata today on +44 (0) 191 250 2220 or visit our website.

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David Gunson, Company Secretary at The Bartrum Group shares his experiences of the project:

Page 12: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

Client Newsletter : Spring 2013

STAFF TRAINING DELIVERS BUSINESS IMPROVEMENTS

Cumbria Logistics

CASE STUDY

Cumbria Logistics Limited manage a complex palletised freight distribution service through its membership of both The Pallet Network (TPN) and The Hazchem Network. To streamline processes and gain operational efficiencies, the company chose to replace its fragmented traffic management and accounts systems with Manpack3.

Whilst centralising its systems into one application has made a significant difference to the way the company does business, Office Manager Nicky Harris believes it’s the company’s investment in staff training that will enable it to realise even greater improvements in productivity and profitability.

“Having one to one training by Mandata has enabled us to adopt better ways of working and ensured

that we all understand the system and what it can do

for our business.”

Nicky explains “When we were operating two separate systems, matching information between the two was a difficult and long drawn out process.”

“Centralising information within Manpack3 has simplified our back-office systems and made processes, such as invoicing, far simpler and quicker. But to get the most from the new system, we recognised that we needed to invest in training for our operators.”

“A few months into its training programme and Cumbria Logistics has already realised significant improvements in productivity and identified ways in which it can reduce costs, which Nicky attributes to its staff having a good understanding of the system.”

“Without formal training, I’m sure we wouldn’t be able to realise the true benefits of Manpack3. Having one to one training by Mandata has enabled us to adopt better ways of working and ensured that we all understand the system and what it can do for our business.”

“We’ve started to implement cost analysis of our pallet network, and with transparency of each element of the pallet distribution process we have been able to simplify the pricing of jobs.”

“With access to detailed, accurate and up-to-date information, Cumbria Logistics is extracting further value from its palletised distribution operations which already work to extremely tight margins.”

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Need to refresh your skills or train

new operators?

Make the most of your systems with training from Mandata.

We offer bespoke training services which are tailored to suit

the needs of your business and your individual users. Training can beprovidedon-siteoratMandataofficesandremoteon-linetraining

is also available.

For more information contact us on

+44 (0) 191 250 2220

Page 13: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

www.mandata.co.uk

“I want the best for our customers. I always put their needs first to ensure they gain best value and that they’re happy with the systems and service we provide.”

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INSIDE VIEW: FACE VALUE

Keeping communication channels open between Mandata and its customers is a top priority for Steve Platt, Northern Account Manager. He travels thousands of miles each year to ensure he meets with customers frequently. In a world of instant email, social networking and mobile communications, Steve believes there’s no substitute for face to face contact.

No two days are the same for Steve who can find himself in Scotland meeting a new customer one day, and helping a customer pitch for a new contract in Yorkshire the next.

“I try to see customers as often as possible. I might call in to check a customer is happy with a recent installation or to meet new members of their team. You can learn so much more about a customer’s business by visiting them than you can by making a phone call or sending an email” said Steve.

He believes that going out of his way to see people improves communications. “We all rely so much on mobile phones, texting and email, things can often be missed or misinterpreted – I believe the key to providing a good service is to see our customers regularly. That way I can learn more about their business, and they have a chance to discuss things in greater detail with me.”

Making time for customers and being available to talk and listen to them are essential ingredients of good customer service, and that is how Mandata ensures its customers’ needs are met.

“I want the best for our customers. I always put their needs first to ensure they gain best value and that they’re happy with the systems and service we provide. I’d like to think that I’m an extension to their team, just as Mandata can be an extension to their IT department.”

Steve often attends customers’ sales meetings to lend support and to answer questions about Mandata’s solutions.

“I recently attended a sales meeting with a customer who was pitching to retain a critical contract with representatives from one of the big five supermarkets.”

“We demonstrated the functionality of Advanced Services and they were impressed to see how they could benefit from features such as secure on-line access, and being able to input their own jobs. Our customer was awarded the contract on the strength of their investment in Mandata systems, which not only helped to differentiate them, but would enable their customer to simplify their logistics processes by gaining complete visibility and control of their jobs.”

Steve can travel anywhere between Scotland and Northern Wales in his working week and so he relies heavily on the Mandata team whilst he’s out on the road.

“I’m only as effective as our people behind the scenes. Communication is so important internally too; the technical, admin and support team all play a critical role in our supply chain to ensure our customers’ needs are understood and promises are met.”

Steve Platt is based at Mandata’s Head Office and has worked for Mandata for over two years.

Steve PlattNorthern Account Manager

Page 14: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

Client Newsletter : Spring 2013

MANDATA’S EXPANSION

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Simon is working on new product developments for Warehouse and he says developing technology is like nurturing a baby! “I’m enjoying working at Mandata; we’re really pushing the boundaries of technology forward. Currently we’re developing a new warehousing system based on internet technology, rather than a standalone application deployed on different PC’s. The challenge is to make an internet application that is as good as a standalone application – with robust security that delivers excellent performance as if you were sitting at your PC. I’m looking forward to seeing how the applications we develop simplify operations for our clients, so that we can then look to make the next leap forward.”

Stephen is working on the delivery of new product enhancements within Manpack3. “I see Mandata playing a key role in enabling companies to be more efficient, adopting smarter technologies to support faster and more efficient processes.”

“What really struck me about Manpack3 was its scale and how it brings a massive amount of information together in one place. I’ve found during my short time here that the team is always looking forward – whether it’s helping a client customise their system or working on main product enhancements, we’re working way in advance to bring new developments to customers. I’m excited to see how my contribution to product development will make a real difference our clients.”

Simon Davies Warehouse Senior

DeveloperRoss Office

Stephen Henley

Manpack3 ProgrammerHead Office

TEAM NEWS

WAREHOUSE

MANPACK3 TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT

Following a period of sustained growth, we are continuing to make key appointments to expand our development team to drive our ambitious program of product developments forward.

We are pleased to introduce four new team members and to share their thoughts on how they hope to add value to Mandata’s products and services.

Page 15: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

www.mandata.co.uk

Steven graduated from Newcastle University with a first class honours degree in Computer Science. He is currently working on new developments in PDA technology.

“Mobile computing is the now and future trend. Part of our role as software partners is to balance technological trends and abilities with customers’ needs. Mandata PDA devices are designed for ease of usability whilst enabling customers to control the process their drivers follow. This ensures processes are being adhered to and enables customers to gain the consistent, accurate and full information they need to manage their business.”

Chris is currently on an Apprenticeship program with Mandata and in his final year of a 5 year course. He is hoping to progress out of his apprenticeship to be a full time employee. Working with the Tracking Team he is helping to build tracking units for vehicles and goes out as part of the team which fits vehicle units.

“I get huge satisfaction from knowing the tracking devices we produce and install are helping to save clients a lot of money as well as keeping an eye on what their drivers are doing. The work we do is really important because our install has to be right first time, every time so that the installation is reliable. Our clients can’t afford for units to fail; this would have a knock-on effect on their profitability - so we’re always striving to ensure our work is perfect.”

Steven Drozdowicz

Advanced Services Programmer Head Office

Chris Pitchford

Tracking, Trainee Field Electronic Engineer

Leeds Office

ADVANCED SERVICES

ASSET TRACKING

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We are delighted to welcome the following

new customers into the Mandata family:

A WARM WELCOME

Waters Waste Services LimitedThe Ice Co Logistics Limited

Port of TyneOwen Pugh & Co Limited

Grindrod Limited (South Africa)Alfred Hymas Limited

Special thanks: We wish to extend our thanks to everyone who has contributed to our newsletter including Elddis Transport for providing photographs.

Page 16: Mandata Spring 2013 Newsletter

Arrange a demo of Manpack3 and our integrated products today!Visit: www.mandata.co.uk l Tel: +44 (0) 191 250 2220 l Email: [email protected]

See what you can achieve with Mandata Transport and Logistics Solutions

Manpack3 supports transport and logistics operations of all sizes. The integrated nature of Manpack3 will flex to suit your business needs, whilst also reducing running costs and increasing operational efficiency.

Streamline your operations with Manpack3 and our range of integrated products - comprehensive user friendly and reliable solutions that help you to drive efficiencies and profitability.

Simplify planning and operationsOrchestrate complex operations from one place using one system; Manpack3.

Reduce fuel costsIn-depthdriverbehaviourmonitoringandreportingenablesfuelefficiencies and safety improvements to be made.

Improve productivityEliminate repetitive and time consuming manual tasks and paper-basedprocesses.Ourinnovativesystemsenableelectronicdocuments to be sent, stored and retrieved quickly, easily and securely.

Keep your cash flowingExpedite invoicing procedures as soon as a delivery is made. Withreal-timeupdates,POD’saresavedautomaticallytoeachjob on your system ready for electronic invoicing.

Give customers visibility of jobsViaasecurewebportalyourcustomerscanenterjobs,viewjobprogress including POD and conformance information -savingyoutimeandcosts.

Access information in real-timeKeep your finger on the pulse of your operationswithaccurateup-to-date information.

Our products include:• Manpack3 Transport Management System

• Advanced Services Web Portal

• Driver and Unit Performance

• Enterprise Collaboration

• PDA Manifests and ePod

• Warehousing

• Asset Tracking (Fixed and Portable)

• Integrated DIP

• Telematics and In-Cab Equipment

• Workshop Management

• Sage Accounts Integration

• Automatic customer self-bill matching• In-Cab Scanning• Quotation ModuleNEW

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Driver score

Tracking and Telematics

Driver Performance

Quotations

Manpack3 TMS

Warehouse

Advanced Services

Accounting

ASP Hosting

Document Image Processing

Data Recovery

WorkshopEnterprise Collaboration

PDA Manifests and ePOD