Summer 2008

Evidence of Asda's drive to reinforce its presence in the grocery home delivery market has come with the announcement that Asda Home Shopping is fitting a telematics-based fleet management system in all 800 of its home delivery vehicles.

The company has chosen Isotrak as its primary supplier, and is adopting its Active Transport Management System, which combines satellite tracking and what is termed 'multifaceted' telematics data capture with advanced transport management.

Asda says the most immediate benefit will be a reduction in fuel consumption – achieved mainly though minimising deviations from plan. The company is said to believe the potential fuel savings across the whole home shopping fleet alone make a sufficient business case for adopting ATMS. It bases this on the typical savings enjoyed by Isotrak's existing customers.

Asda is also expecting to see its home shopping fleet working more efficiently, undertaking more drops per shift, and improving the doorstep experience by delivering within more tightly-defined time frames.

 

The system specification includes two temperature sensors, providing independent monitoring of chilled and frozen food compartments. Isotrak is also fitting sensors for rear and passenger doors (to enhance security and prevent unauthorised access) as well as to the bonnet (to help ensure drivers complete compulsory safety and maintenance checks before departure).

A dashboard-mounted panic alarm button will be included, as well as two-way hands-free voice communications.

Asda is also taking Isotrak's Intelligent Alerting option, which can help to guard against unexpected or unauthorised events such as vehicle movement or doors opening outside hours.