Blue Crystal powers compliance at ECM
Fleet operator ECM has adopted a digital walkaround checks platform from maintenance software specialist Blue Crystal Solutions, which it says has delivered significant operational benefits and improvements in its compliance systems.
“Walkaround checks are a cornerstone of fleet compliance,” said Blue Crystal.
“They ensure vehicles are roadworthy before use and allow drivers to report issues early, preventing minor defects from becoming major repairs.
“Driver-i enables ECM drivers to complete digital walkaround checks via a mobile app, reporting defects directly to the transport office or the vehicle maintenance unit.
“Drivers can attach photos to clearly evidence faults, while built-in controls ensure checks are completed fully, protecting both driver and operator, by requiring photos be taken randomly throughout.”
With ECM operating its own internal workshop, Driver-i integrates seamlessly with RFM Go, Blue Crystal’s paperless job card and inspection sheets system.
“Defects raised by drivers are instantly visible to technicians, who can convert them into job cards in seconds,” explained Blue Crystal.
“This significantly reduces vehicle downtime and improves communication between drivers and the workshop. The defects are also automatically updated with the rectifications, as well as the date of repair and signature of the technician captured on RFM Go.”
Walkaround checks are fully customisable, allowing ECM to tailor inspection sheets to its specialist fleet. This includes mandatory photo capture for specific items, ensuring critical equipment is always present on the vehicle.
Once logged in, Driver-i works without an internet connection, enabling drivers to complete checks anywhere and present them at the roadside if required. Data automatically synchronises when connectivity is restored, keeping the operator fully informed.
Driver-i can also be used for automated licence-checking, with configurable rules to ensure compliance obligations are met based on driver penalty points.
Allen Stuart, commercial and finance director at ECM, commented: “In 2024, ECM moved from a standalone digital system for our daily walkaround checks to the digital RFM solution from Blue Crystal.
“We find the integration aspect of RFM a massive benefit to our day-to-day operations, and believe this has delivered efficiencies and improvements in all aspects of our R+M and compliance processes.”
He continued: “We particularly like how easy it is configure RFM to our unique specialist fleet – this made the change for our drivers much easier to implement, and also means we accurately capture the information required for our highly bespoke fleet. We are very pleased to have moved to RFM.”
