An online vehicle defect logging reporting tool developed by Jaama is aiding efficiencies and legal compliance for UK construction and building markets supplier SIG.

Defect Manager was developed by Jaama as an additional module to its Key2 Vehicle Management system in association with a number of its software users, including Sheffield-based SIG.

The technology provides transport and depot managers with an online tick box check list for the completion of a walk-round appraisal of all vehicles as frequently as they wish.

The system then provides companies with a complete online auditable trail of vehicle inspections and work undertaken to ensure compliance with best practice health and safety regulations and meet ‘O’ licence compliance standards.

SIG operates a fleet of 1,050 commercial vehicles of 7.5 tonnes and above, 650 light commercial vehicles and 1,200 company cars. The commercial vehicles are located at 450 SIG branches nationwide and responsible for delivering the company’s range of products.

SIG uses Jaama’s Key2 system to manage its fleet from its central logistics department in Sheffield. The company approached Jaama to see if an online defect reporting system could be developed and linked into Key2 to replace an administratively time-consuming regime.

SIG UK logistics administration manager Tommy Duncombe said: “The manual system was a hugely labour intensive process as it involved both branch transport managers and my logistics department staff inputting the same information. Some drivers did not log mileages and writing could be illegible, while there was always the risk of information going missing or not being inputted correctly.

“It is a requirement of our ‘O’ licence that we have a defect reporting system in place, but ensuring that we received all the required information was a challenge.

“It was also a labour intensive process keeping track of the defects that were reported and ensuring that they were rectified as soon as possible.”

“The new system enables both ourselves and branch transport managers to monitor defect reporting on all vehicles.

“Built-in rule sets mean that it is impossible to omit information; data is fully legible and the system provides SIG with a completely transparent audit trail that meets VOSA inspection requirements should we or any of our branches be the subject of a visit from inspectors.”

Mr Duncombe estimates that SIG’s logistics department is saving up to three days a week in man hours - more than 150 days a year - as a result of not having to input defect reporting information submitted by 430 branch transport managers.