Wren Kitchens cooks up compliance success with Truckfile
Four years after starting to use Truckfile digital systems for its compliance recording, leading operator Wren Kitchens continues to adapt and tailor the system to streamline its fleet management processes.
North Lincolnshire-based Wren Kitchens’ distribution operation, run entirely in-house, has been recognised with a series of industry awards.
“Part of that success comes from never resting on our laurels, and always looking for new ways to boost efficiency – not just of our vehicles but the way we manage them,” said national fleet manager Philip Bennett.
“Truckfile is the perfect tool for this kind of approach because the system is so highly adaptable. Since day one we’ve worked closely with the Truckfile team to get the best out of the package they provided – it’s testament to their dedication that, four years down the line, they’re still just as enthusiastic about helping us to extend and improve our use of their product.”
Among the latest developments is a switch to picture-based defect reporting for drivers.
National compliance manager Derry Gunn explained: “Previously our drivers were using a ‘bump sheet’ to highlight any minor issues they spotted while completing their walk-around checks. We’ve replaced that with a system of photographs – drivers take a set of seven per vehicle, from different angles, with their phones.
“The process is quicker and easier for drivers to complete and is also a much more accurate way to record information – a picture tells a thousand words, and is far less open to interpretation.”
Philip Bennett added: “There’s always a pictorial record showing the exact extent of any damage before a vehicle goes to the workshop, so there’s no room for uncertainty about how much is required to fix it.
“And of course this also helps to minimise downtime, which is key to maximising cost efficiency for any fleet operation.”
From its base in Barton-upon-Humber, Wren Kitchens runs a fleet of around 250 trucks, from 7.5-tonners up to articulated tractor units and ‘road train’ rigids with drawbars, as well as some 300 trailers, across the country.
The company has been using Truckfile since 2021, and has seen particular benefits from the package’s Driver App.
Drivers were already using the app, on their smartphones or a tablet device, to complete their vehicle checks each morning. The new, improved, photo-based process is said to make this even quicker and easier. As always, once any faults are highlighted the Truckfile system automatically stores a record and makes the information instantly accessible online to Philip Bennett and his admin team.
“The benefits of using this system speak for themselves,” he said.
“We’ve always run a ‘tight ship’ at Wren but since using Truckfile we’ve seen a noticeable reduction in unscheduled downtime, because faults are reported and able to be acted upon so much more quickly.”
“Using the app is simpler for the drivers and means there are no paper forms to get lost. Truckfile makes management of the fleet much more efficient too.
“It’s far easier to confirm that all drivers have completed their checks, and done so correctly, before leaving the yard. Any entries they make are available immediately, so I know without delay if any action needs to be taken.”
A market leader in the innovation, design, manufacture and supply of fitted kitchens, Wren is proud to own its entire supply chain, from initial customer consultation to delivery.
Articulated units transport large consignments, including heavy granite worktops from its manufacturing site in Barton-upon-Humber to a network of six depots nationwide.
Rigid trucks undertake deliveries of kitchens to customers’ homes – but the last year has also seen the operator make significant inroads into the wholesale market, so an increasing number of deliveries are now to larger housing development sites.
Trade in Northern Ireland is also growing as is Wren’s presence in the USA, thanks to a partnership with leading retail chain Home Depot.
“Truckfile helps to keep our fleet running smoothly and efficiently, and gives me full visibility of a wide range of parameters at the touch of a button,” added Philip Bennett.
“It also played a major role in helping us to achieve Earned Recognition status, followed by a ‘best in class’ award from DVSA.”