Following the successful introduction of vehicle tracking as the first phase of a ?M contract awarded to Microlise by Castle Cement Limited, part of the Heidelberg Cement Group, the company are now delivering the next phases which include driver management and proof of delivery.

The solution, which has been termed 'eTicket', is designed to deliver large improvements in customer service and efficiency savings by eliminating paperwork and data re-keying, reducing customer queries and automating proof of delivery processing as well as allowing instant issue of accurate invoices for products delivered.

The eTicket solution utilises decision logic software developed by Castle to optimise resource utilisation and direct the activities of drivers. It incorporates real-time vehicle telematics and trailer tracking together with driver task management using an XDA terminal provided from Microlise. Vehicles are automatically associated with their correct load and delivery schedule using RFID technology. Delivery of the contract has been planned in 3 phases throughout 2007.

The complete system, which integrates with the Microlise Fleet & Distribution portfolio of solutions uses XDA terminals for 584 drivers and is implemented in 252 tractors and 288 trailers operating from 11 Castle Cement works throughout the UK. It provides operational personnel with real-time vehicle position data, delivery schedule adherence and proof of delivery together with immediate visibility of any exception alerts. RFID tags installed on each vehicle automatically collect data and route drivers within the works to the correct silos and weighbridge using a series of go/no-go lights, also managed by the in-house decision logic software.

In line with Working Time Directive legislation, the Microlise application on the driver's XDA covers task management, proof of delivery, two-way messaging as well as real-time allocations of jobs.

eTicket is designed to immediately alert Castle Cement personnel to priority business issues by flagging any exceptions to predefined business rules. However, all event data is recorded and incorporated into a set of daily and weekly KPI reports for trend analysis of driver / vehicles performance and customer service levels.

About Microlise

Microlise is a privately owned, UK-based company, established in 1982. Microlise develops and integrates technology solutions for the logistics and physical supply chain industries using key software, hardware, communication and auto identification technologies developed in-house and from market leading suppliers. Microlise solutions include ; Opus WMS - sophisticated warehouse management and automation control software, Microlise Fleet & Distribution - for managing goods in transit and the assets used to transport them, Microlise RFID Systems - Integration of RFID technology within supply chain and logistics applications, Opus Voice - Hands-free, eyes-free voice activated technology for all stock transactions and movements within the warehouse

About Castle Cement Limited.

Castle Cement, part of the HeidelbergCement Group, has developed over the last two decades into a major force in the UK cement industry. The company employs 1200 people in the UK and meets 25 per cent of the UK demand for cement from three works in north Wales, Lancashire and Rutland supported by marine terminals in Avonmouth and Humberside, and a network of depots.