A new software solution for lease and contract hire companies has been launched that should allow fleet managers to benefit from their suppliers’ improved efficiencies and cost savings.

Sofico said its research shows that many lease companies are using outdated technology that cannot cost-effectively meet fleet users’ increasing expectations.

To address this, the company, which already supplies several large international lease companies including Masterlease and ALD Automotive, is launching its second-generation Miles software solution here.

“Miles is being used successfully in six countries by many multi-marque leasing companies, fleet management specialists and manufacturer captives,” explains Roger Smith of Sofico.

“Miles has reached a level of completeness and maturity which allows us to confidently launch it into the UK.”

Fleet managers can spot if their supplier is using outdated systems if it has difficulty meeting their expectations for additional or bespoke services, if it is using too many spreadsheets and if it needs a separate – and often expensive – system for web functionality.

“At the end of the day it is the fleet manager client who is paying for this,” said Jan Bouckaert, Sofico business development manager.

Today’s systems should be internet-enabled and offer services such as full interactivity, e-reporting and e-invoicing, driver self-service, driver management and a complete mobility management service that offers alternatives to a car.

As an example, services and processes should be delivered quickly and efficiently over the internet allowing for broker or white-labelling operations to be integrated.

“This is about enabling self-service easily and connecting suppliers to customers – it means less work for fleet managers,” said Bouckaert.

“We are convinced that leasing companies are not using technology to its fullest – outdated technologies will not be able to meet the expectations of the emerging environment.”