April 15, 2011 -- A Cambridgeshire company specialising in heating and mechanical services has equipped its transport fleet with Quartix real-time vehicle tracking.

As a result, Chaps, of Bar Hill, is benefiting from impressive savings through the fleet’s more efficient use.

Knowing the precise location of its 44 cars and vans, and mobile staff, is essential to the firm. This – and the fact a previous system proved unreliable – was the main reason it opted for Quartix’s 24-hour online tracking. Another was the system’s ability to provide better record keeping.

Raine Holmes, finance manager, said: "For example, car drivers pay back their personal mileage, which the system records.

"Vans are provided to Chaps employees for business use only, and private use is not allowed. On-site drivers are required to fill in timesheets, and the contract managers are able to confirm these details through the system.

"Of course, if we had a tax inspection we would have to prove they weren't using the vans for personal use, and the system enables us to do just that."

Quartix Pay As You Go

For immediate financial reasons Chaps has opted to connect to the tracking service using Quartix’s flexible pay-as-you-go solution – with the intention of switching to its more cost effective leasing/purchase product at a later date.

Currently, Chaps has 24 vehicles using the PAYG scheme, each fitted with Quartix's own-design tracking unit. However, as more leases with its old supplier run out – and as new vehicles are added – the company will ensure its entire fleet is linked to the Quartix system.

Chaps is not only pleased with the system's reliability but also Quartix’s after- sales service.

Ms Holmes added: "You ring or email and they get back to you straight away. Everything happens exactly as you would expect of a professional company. They are a very good team, indeed."

Andy Walters, Quartix managing director, said: "Chaps is a highly respected company in the Cambridge area, and their white and blue vans are a common sight in and around the city. We are delighted to be associated with this successful company and hope to continue providing them with good service for years to come."

For further details, or to discuss any aspect of this case study, please contact a member of the Quartix team by email or phone.

More about Quartix

Founded in 2001, Quartix (www.quartix.net) has grown to become one of the UK’s most successful vehicle tracking service providers.

Today, more than 2,500 customers across a wide range of sectors – including government organisations, housing associations, construction, hospital trusts, the emergency services, SMEs and large British brands – use its award-winning online service, with the company’s unique, own-design tracking unit currently installed in vehicles.

The Quartix system provides users with a fast, efficient, 'point-and-click' source of real-time information, together with tailored e-mail reports. The highly-flexible service has scope to meet the needs of large corporations and owner-managed businesses alike.

More about Chaps

Chaps, based at Bar Hill just outside Cambridge, undertakes plumbing, heating and mechanical services contracts ranging in value from a few thousand pounds up to £2million. Formed in 2000 by Ian Corney, of Corney Heating and Plumbing Services, the company offers its services within three categories:

Domestic. Work includes design and installation services for new build, the refurbishment of residential properties, private houses and housing associations. All aspects of plumbing, heating, electrical and building works are undertaken.

Partnering. Chaps forms long-term partnerships with local authorities, housing associations and developers. Its work covers heating, plumbing, electrical, and kitchen and bathroom installations.

Commercial. Chaps provides mechanical and electrical services for new build and refurbished commercial developments. The company's full design and installation service is employed on all types of contracts, including sports halls, care homes and schools.

For further information contact Andy Kirk, Quartix sales and marketing director. Telephone 0870 013 6663, email Email Contact