Komatsu Forest, the sole supplier for Komatsu timber harvesting equipment in the UK and Ireland, is reaping the rewards having implemented a Mobile Workforce Management solution from BigChange Apps. Since introducing JobWatch, Komatsu Forest estimates it has improved operational efficiency with engineers achieving a three percent gain in productivity. Customer service has been boosted with same day reporting and timely invoicing, and the company has also improved health and safety compliance with automated vehicle checks and risk assessments.
David McIlwraith, Managing Director of Komatsu Forest Ltd, commented, “This was a completely new system for us. For years we have been running our business on spreadsheets, and this resulted in a high level of admin due to the paper trail produced. We were also in the market for vehicle tracking but knew we wanted to everything through a single system.”
[quote float=”left”]“On the few occasions we have needed it, the 24/7 RoadCrew support has been excellent; good response times and regular updates.” [/quote]JobWatch from BigChange Apps offers a paperless way to plan, manage, schedule and track Komatsu’s mobile workforce. This powerful web-based platform combines back office software, mobile apps, fleet management and real-time vehicle tracking in one simple to use system.
Prior to the introduction of JobWatch, Komatsu operated a paper based reporting system with engineers completing paper timesheets and job reports – often late and with varying competency. This information was then manually entered into a number of different systems, for example, customer invoicing and payroll. Since implementing JobWatch, Komatsu Forest estimates it has saved in region of 1,000 man hours per year through the automation of essential documents and timesheets. Customer service has improved as service reports are filed on the same day the work is completed, and invoices are issued more promptly, improving the business’s cash flow.
“We now handle all documentation and all time management through JobWatch,” continued McIlwraith. “This includes vehicle checks, timesheets, risk assessments, job cards, machine inspection reports and much more. When we need it, JobWatch will also handle our stock control and invoicing, and we have even had the system adapted to cover workshop usage too. Literally, our engineers do not need to pick up a pen – everything is done at the touch of a screen.
“On the few occasions we have needed it, the 24/7 RoadCrew support has been excellent; good response times and regular updates.”
BigChange founder and CEO Martin Port added, “Securing tangible returns on investment for our customer is what BigChange and JobWatch are all about, and working with businesses like Komatsu Forest to achieve this is truly rewarding.”
