Case Study : KONE International

Overview

Fleet Size: 12,000Previous System: Various national systemsProduct Selected: FleetWaveInstalled: August 2005

Introduction

KONE are one of the world's largest makers of elevators, escalators and automatic building doors.

Client Brief

Kone International, has picked Chevin Fleet Solutions' FleetWave software to run its global fleet - after a year-long search.

KONE International lead buyer David Swift explained:

"We were looking for a tool that would enable us to manage a fleet of 12,000 vehicles across 18 countries, would be easy to implement, easy to use and cost-effective.

"We spent more than twelve months on our fleet management system search. The selection team was comprised of the fleet lead buyer (me) and the purchasing managers from France, Germany, Holland and Belgium. This team examined in depth a number of solutions, one of which was FleetWave. In the end the selection team unanimously chose FleetWave. The reasons for this were varied and included the following:

• FleetWave is a specialist vehicle fleet management application - they understand fleet.
• The system is web-based, which means easy access and a good degree of user friendliness.
• FleetWave can be translated into multiple languages - KONE has already translated the application into French.
• FleetWave is itself a very flexible system, allowing the user to redesign screens, build queries and generate reports without the need to be IT-literate.
• When rolled out across the globe, FleetWave will for the very first time allow KONE to have a single global view of its fleet costs with timely and accurate management information.
• KONE felt that FleetWave provided the functionality we required at a cost we could afford."

KONE had been looking for a computer system capable of increasing the efficiency of its worldwide fleet operation. Previously the company used several Microsoft applications such as Excel and Access, but after looking at all the other dedicated fleet management systems, FleetWave was the natural choice. KONE already had in place very effective controls on its suppliers. However the company realised that in order to achieve further cost savings, it would be necessary to obtain a more comprehensive overview of expenditure.

Client Benefits

Ashley Sowerby, Chevin's Managing Director said: "We're going to help KONE achieve its aims through a process of benchmarking and then investigating any differences in operating costs by location, branch, country etc, which FleetWave is instantly able to do - as reports instantly highlight those aspects that have gone over set KPIs or bench marks. FleetWave is able to help achieve this through the reporting module as it immediately highlights costs.

"We are also hosting the KONE system for a very reasonable monthly fee. This enables KONE to receive direct support without requiring its IT department to be involved. When we do this for a client it also obviates the need to set up security systems to allow us access, and also means it’s not necessary to purchase and support expensive server hardware, or upgrade / install communications equipment and firewalls, and also means Chevin provides a truly one-stop solution for KONE's fleet management system."

Although KONE's main fleet operation is based in Belgium, all its sites throughout the world will now be able to view FleetWave in their own language and instantly pull off information they require, instead of waiting for it to be sent from head office. In addition FleetWave will be able to process invoices from external suppliers (leasing companies, fuel cards, repairers, tyres etc), verify the amounts and then export this data through for payment, thereby eliminating duplication of effort throughout the company.

FleetWave will also help KONE set up preventative maintenance schedules and share real-time information with internal and external users, plus importing data from suppliers electronically. In addition FleetWave will be used to control the vehicle procurement and approval processes using a combination of the replacement forecast and driver/grade selectors.

Client Quote

We were looking for a tool that would enable us to manage a fleet of 12,000 vehicles across 18 countries, would be easy to implement, easy to use and cost-effective. We spent more than twelve months on our fleet management system search. The selection team was comprised of the fleet lead buyer (me) and the purchasing managers from France, Germany, Holland and Belgium. This team examined in dept

KONE International lead buyer