Chevin Fleet Solutions has welcomed a recent report by Lord Carter highlighting a need for fleet management software investment within ambulance services.

The report, “Operational productivity and performance in English NHS Ambulance Trusts”, recognises the benefits of specific software that enables the centralisation of vehicle and assets to help improve efficiencies and minimise downtime.

Chevin Fleet Solutions’ global sales and marketing director David Gladding said: “Managing the data produced by fleets can be misunderstood by the wider organisation in terms of strategic and tactical value.

"But those fleets who can measure and interpret data have seen significant reductions in administrative tasks and gained a clearer picture of fleet availability and specifications required during vehicle and associated asset procurement.”

Key findings of the report include:

• A lack of common standard for recording and monitoring fleet information
• The need for improvements to ambulance maintenance scheduling
•  A lack of ambulance specification standardisation.

It is recognised that data capture is generally poor and needs improving. Older vehicles are noted as being more vulnerable to breakdowns with careful monitoring and scheduling of preventative maintenance required to minimise the risk of additional downtime.

Over the past few years, Chevin has experienced increased interest in its fleet management software products from ambulance trusts and other blue light services.

Notable signings have included the Wales, East Midlands and West Midlands Ambulance Services.

Gladding said: “Many of the trusts who approach us regarding our software reflect similar comments made in this report. Ambulance Trusts that we do work alongside have achieved notable process improvements and much-improved vehicle utilisation and availability.

"Cost savings have increased whilst downtime has been reduced due to the level of visibility such software provides.”