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TotalGaz Rolling Out TouchStar in-Vehicle Mobile Computing Systems Across Lpg Fleet

Lpg supplier TotalGaz France, part of the Total Group, has rolled out 330 TouchStar in-vehicle mobile computing systems for its French bulk lp gas delivery operation.

TotalGaz France’s decision to implement a mobile computing solution was influenced by a wish to improve efficiency in the company’s operations by eliminating paperwork, reducing billing cycles and automating stock reconciliation. “Previously, the process relied on manual delivery notes which were easily mislaid and effort was duplicated, as information had to be manually re-entered into the back office system. The whole process was open to human error,” said Vincent Brouard, logistics manager for lpg operations at TotalGaz.

The solution TotalGaz chose was TouchStar Technologies’ TouchPC Raven and printer, which allows a driver to print delivery notes on the spot, eliminating the need for a separate in-cab printer. The customer’s signature is captured onscreen for proof of delivery purposes, and the document is printed there and then.

TotalGaz says benefits were seen immediately from the accuracy of the data and the time saved in the back office. If any queries are raised about what was delivered, an electronic version of the document can be raised and automatically sent to the customer. In the past, a staff member would have had to retrieve the document from the archive, so the new system is saving TotalGaz time and storage space, it says.

The company’s drivers also like the fact that they are guided sequentially through a series of menus when making deliveries.

“At first, drivers were apprehensive about the new system, but within days they found it just automated the process and eliminated the paperwork out of the cab,” said Vincent. “It serves as a great aid, particularly when there can be up to 15 deliveries in a shift. The software is intuitive and easy to operate.

“Because of its expertise and knowledge of the fuel and gas business and its reputation for robust systems, TouchStar is recognised as the best in the industry,” he continued. “Some of the key factors in our choice of hardware were that the device had to be rugged and up for the job in hand, it needed to be able to withstand knocks and bumps. Temperatures inside the cab can fluctuate throughout the day and it’s also a very dusty environment, but the TouchPC ticked every box. The TouchStar solution fitted perfectly with our business model and has reduced the overall development time.”

TouchStar Technologies has also recently formed a strategic alliance with VISIT Systems Ltd (VSL), a specialist within the mobile computing and wireless communication markets. The alliance will enable both VSL and TouchStar to provide a fully integrated routing and scheduling solution that they say will add real time value and benefits to any business within the fuel distribution industry.

The solution utilises VSL’s VISIT Plus suite of vehicle and delivery scheduling products with Touchstar’s FuelStar application and TouchPC Raven incab device. The system addresses the complexities associated with manual scheduling.

Jim Austin, sales director at TouchStar Technologies, said: “We are delighted to have formed an alliance with an established company like VISIT Systems. Together we have the capabilities to offer our customers proven and future-proof solutions that are the best within the industry. The wealth of experience, professionalism and the supreme functionality of our alliance will provide real benefits to all our customers.”

TouchStar will be exhibiting at AEGPL 2009 in Vienna in May on Stand C22.

Contact TouchStar Technologies Ltd on 0161 874 5050 www.touchstar.co.uk

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