WS2 delivers software for largest ever UK fleet management project

WS2, the Dublin-based software development company has announced that it has completed delivery of the application software to support its vehicle telematics service.

John Wright, Vice President, Amatis (left) with Richard Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer, WS2

The WS2 AstaOra server software has been customised to suit the specific needs of The Leasing Group and its client Transco plc, with a fleet size of over 6,000 vehicles. Transco delivers around half the UK’s energy needs through its 275,000km of pipework and runs the UK national gas emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Unique features of the solution include:
• Duty of care. In-cab panic button for drivers to call for help using a dedicated emergency messaging channel in AstaOra. Once activated, the panic feature alerts a 24-hour control centre at The Leasing Group with the street address of where an employee requires immediate police assistance. The returns have been immediate in terms of increased driver safety and confidence.
• Customised reporting on vehicle location, mileage, hours and status. Having access to this valuable information will allow Transco save on fuel and servicing costs.
• In safety-related emergencies the closest vehicle to the incident may be dispatched, saving valuable time and resources.

Planned enhancements to the service include improved resource allocation, quality of service measurements and further reductions in paperwork for the drivers and their managers.

Commenting on the announcement WS2 chief executive Richard Fitzgerald said: “We are extremely pleased with the delivery of this enterprise solution to The Leasing Group. New enquiries are being received for the service and we expect to secure many more vehicles on the service in the coming year.” The AstaOra platform delivered to The Leasing Group has been designed to manage up to 35,000 vehicles from different companies using multiple types of hardware and communications systems.

The Leasing Group’s head of Amatics John Wright is confident the system will provide a measurable benefit for their client. “The primary advantage of the WS2 solution is the increased safety and security for drivers and assets but we see the system being used to help reduce fleet operation costs by as much as 25%.”
WS2 was founded in 1997 as a web development company working with companies such as Gateway, HP, Compaq and Eircom.

The company has grown into an applications (software) development company focussed on bridging the gap from vehicles to back office systems. WS2 VISTA, its vehicle integration software platform enables companies to reduce costs by relaying information between existing business systems, workers and vehicles on the move. VISTA now manages vehicles across Ireland, UK and Northern Europe. http://www.WS2.com