Manual, paper-based workforce mgt replaced at PHS

STOCKHOLM: IFS, an enterprise IT player, announced that PHS, a workplace services provider, has selected IFS Mobile Workforce Management to automate vehicle routing, increase productivity and improve fuel efficiency.

PHS employs 1,800 drivers across 23 depots to help deliver a wide range of solutions designed to help keep businesses running smoothly. The company works to ensure they have the right information to reach destinations on time, and with the right kit, which requires significant advanced scheduling. Prior to implementing IFS, this process was conducted via a paper-based system and manual routing.

The new IFS Mobile Workforce Management system, as shared in an update, automates the dynamic scheduling of routes for vehicles, monitors performance throughout the day and can track drivers in real-time. In addition, the deployment stands to improve customer service, due to the fact that the new system proactively drives Service Level Agreement (SLA) adherence, rather than allowing drivers to manage this themselves. The rollout is currently underway, with the system being used by 100 drivers across four depots at present.

IFS was selected over other providers following a competitive tender process. The company was the only provider able to offer both a dynamic and static routing system.

Ian Featherstone, CIO at PHS, said: "Deploying the IFS solution has made a significant difference to the performance of our depots. For example, schedulers now spend around half an hour checking routes as opposed to a full day arranging routes and managing driver schedules. In addition, there has already been positive user feedback on IFS Mobile Workforce Management and training employees on the new system has been simple to do."

"Our objectives around the system are to achieve a ten per cent increase in productivity and a seven percent reduction in fuel consumption. Just three months in, we are on-track with a six per cent increase in productivity, and are making good headway on reducing fuel usage," Featherstone added.

Paul Massey, Managing Director of IFS Europe West, said: "PHS's implementation of IFS Mobile Workforce Management has had a dramatic effect, initiating a cultural change amongst staff that has had a direct, positive effect on overall efficiencies. In addition, once fuel use reduction targets are met, it stands to deliver significant ROI - a reduction of seven to eight percent will equate to £2m over the course of a year."

IFS Mobile Workforce Management is currently being implemented across the Washroom division of PHS, with plans in place to roll out across an additional three business divisions in the near future. IFS Mobile Workforce Management will be deployed in Ireland from next July.