Fagan & Whalley: five years on with SCC’s X-Wire technology
Distribution and logistics provider Fagan & Whalley has been working with vehicle safety specialist SCC for over five years, implementing its X-Wire technology alongside a range of cameras and safety systems across the fleet.
When Fagan & Whalley first engaged SCC, the objective was to improve vehicle safety and visibility whilst reducing the complexity and downtime associated with traditional wired installations.
Traditional rear camera systems had previously led to significant operational challenges, with vehicles taken off the road for extended periods during installation and ongoing impracticalities when working with interchangeable trailers. A solution was required that could deliver consistent, practical use of cameras across the fleet without introducing additional complexity.
SCC’s X-Wire technology was selected for its ability to simplify installation, minimise vehicle disruption and provide a practical solution for integrating cameras and other safety systems across a nationwide fleet with interchangeable trailers.
As with any vehicle operating in demanding environments, says SCC, components are subject to wear over time. Cameras, in particular, are exposed to weather, road conditions and regular cleaning processes as part of day-to-day fleet operation.
During the course of the partnership, Fagan & Whalley experienced corrosion affecting some side camera units. SCC worked closely with the customer to develop a practical solution, introducing colour-coded camera sleeves to improve protection and simplify maintenance.
More recently, feedback was also provided regarding corrosion on rear-facing cameras. Whilst this is a known challenge across the industry, SCC has taken a proactive approach by reviewing alternative camera options. This has included engaging with UK-based manufacturers alongside other suppliers to identify solutions better suited to the operating environment, which are now being trialled.
Five years into the partnership, SCC’s X-Wire technology remains in daily use across the fleet, supporting consistent, practical use of cameras and providing drivers with clear, reliable visibility.
The system continues to address the core challenges identified at the outset, particularly around downtime, installation complexity and the practical use of rear cameras across interchangeable trailers.
The reduction in installation time and wiring complexity continues to deliver operational benefits, particularly when vehicles require maintenance, replacement or system upgrades. The modular nature of the system has also allowed Fagan & Whalley to adapt and expand its setup over time without extensive rework.
Driver familiarity and acceptance have also been maintained, with systems operating in a consistent and predictable manner across the fleet.
Adam Burgess, head of fleet engineering at Fagan & Whalley, said: “We’ve now been running SCC’s X-Wire technology across the fleet for over five years and it’s become a standard part of how we operate. From the word go, the system solved a lot of the issues we’d had previously around downtime and practicality, and that’s continued as we’ve rolled it out across the fleet.
“Importantly, the decision to implement the system wasn’t just about installation efficiency, it was also about reducing risk and improving safety across the entire fleet. Our vehicles operate in real-world, often challenging environments, delivering into busy hubs and residential postcodes where visibility is critical. Having reliable, consistent camera coverage gives our drivers the confidence and awareness they need to operate safely day to day.
“In the kind of environments we operate in, wear and tear on cameras is inevitable. What’s been important is how SCC have worked with us when those challenges have come up, whether that’s developing solutions like the camera sleeves or helping us look at alternative options where needed.
“The system needs to be robust, not just in terms of operation but also in how it represents the fleet. We take pride in our vehicles, and it’s important that any technology we fit reflects that and stands up to the harsh weather and conditions we operate in.
“The system has remained reliable, but just as importantly the support has been consistent over time. It’s been a straightforward relationship and we know we can rely on SCC when we need them.”
