TomTom WORK system leads to faster motorcycle recovery

Integration of a connected navigation system from TomTom WORK with Garage Manager is enabling a specialist motorcycle recovery company to improve its service and manage its 40 vehicles and operatives more effectively.

SOS Motorcycle Recovery of Grantham in Lincolnshire has installed a connected navigation system based on TomTom WORK WEBFLEET software. The in-built flexibility of TomTom WORK WEBFLEET enabled easy integration with the company’s existing IT system, based on Garage Manager, to provide a seamless transfer of data. The integration was carried out quickly and cost-effectively by specialist TomTom WORK systems development partner, Connect Fleet.

Jobs come in through Turbo Despatch straight into Garage Manager. One simple keystroke transfers that data into TomTom WORK WEBFLEET and sends it directly to the TomTom GO unit in the vehicle via the TomTom WORK LINK 300 tracking device. Instant touch-screen messaging enables the mechanic to acknowledge receipt of the task, and he is the directed to it via the most direct route using the TomTom GO unit’s award-winning navigation. The mechanic is also alerted to any traffic delays, which allows the control room to give the stranded biker a very precise time of arrival.

On completion of the job, one touch of the screen shows the job is cleared and this information is automatically synchronised with Garage Manager. The control room then knows the availability of the mechanic for the next call-out.

“The result is that we now have a fully-integrated job and fleet management system that is very user-friendly for our staff in the control room and our mechanics in the field,” says SOS founder and managing director, Gary Bravo. “It can also produce a wide range of reports that provide valuable data to help us to manage our business more efficiently, improve productivity and identify cost-savings.”

SOS Motorcycle Recovery provides a unique service throughout England and Wales, recovering broken-down motorcycles and transporting bikes between locations. The service has become so successful that the company has recently expanded into Spain.

“One feature that has proved particularly useful is the ability to change languages,” says Gary Bravo. “We are using the same system in our new Spanish operation and can access it from the UK. The ability to change the language instantly to English enables us to obtain the same sort of data as we do in the UK.”

The company operates on behalf of a number of leading recovery organisations and insurers, as well as working directly with motorcycle manufacturers and dealers, and with professional users of motorbikes, such as courier and television companies. The UK service is provided 24/7 through a control room at Grantham, and SOS aims to have a mechanic and recovery vehicle at a breakdown within one hour, which is made easier to maintain and monitor with TomTom WORK’s accurate time of arrival information.