Bandvulc witnesses ‘software revolution’ over the past 12 years

In the 12 years since Bandvulc Tyre Contracts (BTC) was formed in 2000, the company has established a 24/7/365 Tyre Support Unit (TSU), Galahad job sheet web software, a fully functional disaster recovery suite, new generation phone hardware/software and web-based reporting. Today the business manages over 100 key transport fleets including many well-known blue-chip names with the UK’s largest supermarket retailers all using Bandvulc tyres managed by BTC. At the centre of all this is what the company refers to as a technology and specifically a software revolution.

Alongside experienced, fully trained staff, significant investment in both IT and telephony is seen as one of BTC’s major strengths enabling it to develop and evolve its client offering.  “Writing unique, tailor-made software programmes in-house means that nothing is impossible. From the finest detail to the macro view – we have very robust systems in place, all of which are underpinned by our off-site disaster recovery. This ensures that there is no blip in service, aptly demonstrated by last year’s fire here which saw the TSU team relocate to dedicated off-site offices where they were able to operate seamlessly”, stated Kevin McPherson, BTC manager, adding: “It’s interesting to note that this investment and development has also seen us selected as the back-up for a number of third party call centres.”

September saw the start of a phased release of BTC’s on-line “Info Portal” which will enable customers and service providers to access their data, policy criteria, technical information, training information and daily key performance indicators. According to the company, this will be made available to all customers in the coming months. So far the initial feedback is said to have been “enthusiastic”.

Much of BTC’s evolution can be attributed to the close liaison customers and service providers enjoy with the company’s sales and sales operations teams. “We take the time to discuss what further attributes our customers would find beneficial in the management of their tyre fleet, working pro-actively to introduce new innovations.  Our ability to consider and implement new ideas and services rapidly is due in part to our team of in-house software programmers, who write our own unique, bespoke software,” commented Phil West, group commercial director.

From TSU’s inception in 2005 and the introduction of 24/7 cover in July 2006 the business reports that it has today become “the leading in-house provider of tyre service and management in the UK.” A key factor in its development and success is its independence and flexibility, enabling TSU to use a wide range of dealer networks.

Systems and key partners working together

BTC’s in-house systems are backed up with a strong service provider network incorporating ‘Certified Key Partners’ plus other independents and national networks from as far north as the Isle of Skye right down to Redruth in Cornwall and everywhere in between.  Service providers have to fulfil pre-set minimum requirements before they are eligible to join BTC. These include annual insurance and waste licence checks, quality system audits, training, adherence to policy charters and compliance to customer requirements. Such assessments and checks are part of BTC’s everyday activity and service providers receive annual certificates to confirm they are operating to BTC’s instructions. Service Level Agreements for each fleet detail all the work that should be undertaken on the fleets by the service provider. BTC are able to conduct site checks utilising its fleet auditing team to ensure policy adherence and service levels are to a high standard.

A further enhancement to BTC is its environmental compliance and commitment in terms of repairs and casing disposal. Customers are provided with annual reports detailing the environmental savings achieved by fitting Bandvulc tyres.  This will include the rubber, oil and CO2 savings achieved, along with the rubber waste and recycling statistics generated from returned casings, including details of what happens to all returned casings.

“We have an exciting future ahead of us and development plans for the next phase are already in place.” Phil West concluded, hinting that we should ‘watch this space’ to find out what the company is planning to do next.