Civica has struck a new £278,000, five-year deal with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).

The fire service will implement Civica’s Tranman software as part of NIFRS’ drive to improve fleet and equipment management across the organisation.

Following a tendering exercise the contract was awarded to Civica, which will provide NIFRS with the Tranman software to streamline processes, including creating a single view of all fleet management activity which will enable better data management while controlling costs.

Ensuring operational availability and compliance is imperative within the fire and rescue service for its critical assets including vehicles, equipment, and personal protective items, which all require regular inspection.

Civica says Tranman will provide the tools for managing the complete lifecycle of NIFRS vehicles and equipment from design through to disposal.

The ability to access up-to-date, reliable records allows the organisation to automatically look ahead, scheduling workshop planning and services with interactive e-forms available using touchscreen technology, it said.

The Tranman software will form a central data system for all essential fleet information providing a live electronic working environment hence creating great efficiencies across the organisation.

By using Civica’s Document Management module, staff can securely store any type of file or document against the relevant record using drag and drop. This not only reduces storage and retrieval costs, but also minimises risk with missing documentation quickly identified via dashboard reminders.

Ian Grimes, head of fleet, engineering and supplies at NIFRS, said: “We were seeking a solution which would create that all-important single view of our fire service fleet, equipment and supplies so we can gain better data insight and understanding of our support costs.

“This new partnership with Civica Tranman offers us a digital-first system which features the extensive electronic scheduling we require while helping us deliver a stronger, more innovative fire and rescue service.”

Matt Goodstadt, managing director of Civica Transport, added: “We are delighted to be working with NIFRS to improve digital fleet management and ultimately support the critical work they carry out across Northern Ireland.

“We are fully aware of the constant challenge faced by large-scale public sector organisations to improve the service quality of the fleet, while keeping processes simple and costs under control – and we’re continuously innovating our software to meet these issues.”