Fleet management expert Transics has recently launched a new version of its successful TX-SMART smartphone app. TX-SMART was originally designed for information exchange with drivers of occasional subcontractors. The latest version, which is seamlessly integrated into the TX-CONNECT back office software, adds functionality tailored to the distribution sector. One of the first users of the new TX-SMART is the logistics group H.Essers. While its heavy goods vehicles feature fixed Transics on-board computers, the Belgium-based carrier has now introduced the new TX-SMART app for use in the distribution vehicles of its technical care department. Over the past few years, the family-run business H.Essers has won many awards and titles in recognition of its strong strategic vision, its rapid growth and its continuous quest for innovation. The company resolutely chooses advanced technology to support its activities and is a long-term Transics customer. Next to its range of fixed on-board computers, H.Essers started using TX-SMART in July 2013 to communicate with the drivers of its occasional subcontractors. More recently, the group introduced the new TX-SMART. The app is used by the circa 30 drivers who work in H.Essers' high value technical care distribution department, which handles the warehousing and short-distance shipment of high-tech material and computer equipment.

Robust and user-friendly

The drivers of the distribution department highly appreciate the TX-SMART out-of-cabin solution, which runs on an industrial, robust Motorola PDA. Erwin Kelchtermans, Business Analist at H.Essers: "Customers increasingly want to trace their shipments. A few years ago, we introduced the Track-&-Trace portal to help them verify the status of their goods. Yet to have a truly real-time view on the goods, our drivers must be able to scan the packages upon charging or discharging them, record digital signatures, register possible customer comments, take pictures of damaged goods or scan documents. The combination of the user-friendly TX-SMART app and the robust, industrial Motorola smartphone was just what we needed to support these out-of-cabin activities."

One, single platform for data from both fixed and mobile devices

"Another advantage of TX-SMART is that the planners can communicate with their drivers from within their familiar Transics TX-CONNECT back office platform, regardless whether the drivers use a fixed Transics on-board computer or a TX-SMART app. This makes the work of our freight planners much easier and, most importantly, much more efficient," says Erwin Kelchtermans.

Founded in 1928, H.Essers is one of Europe's leading logistical services providers for sectors such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals and high-quality products. The company has experienced a solid expansion for the past 10 years, driven by organic growth and a number of strategic acquisitions. H.Essers employs over 3,900 persons across 34 offices in 11 countries in Western and Eastern Europe. In addition to its headquarters in Genk (Belgium), H.Essers also has a strong presence in Romania. With 880,000 m² of warehouse space, a fleet of 1,250 trucks and 2,500 trailers, the group turned over EUR 409 million in 2013. www.essers.com

Transics International NV, a WABCO company, was established in 1991 and develops and commercialises fleet management solutions for the transport and logistics sector. Transics is a global full solution provider of truck, driver, trailer, cargo and subcontractor management. Our solutions are the result of many years of experience, thorough R&D efforts and an intensive focus on the customer experience. Transics, headquartered in Ypres (Belgium), has become a European leader in its sector and is active worldwide.www.transics.com

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