Credit: G.N., Batiactu. Read the original article here.
Two French engineers have developed an application for optimising the use of work site equipment, whether internal or rentals. The software platform, accessible via smartphones and tablets, serves as an intermediary between site forepersons and rental companies. More details below.
Equipment is thought to represent the third largest item of expenditure on work sites. Additionally, the use of rental machines alone accounts for 40% to 60% of this expense. “It is therefore crucial for construction players to manage the use of equipment in its entirety, in terms of both the internal fleet and rentals”, believe Julien Fournier and Maxime Guesné, the two founders of Dispatcher.fr. “The choice of the right equipment in the right place is strategic, and the use of modern tools has become essential”.
They have therefore developed a Cloud-based solution for optimising equipment management. Their platform provides a link to rental companies, and allows precise tracking of rented machines. “Our app, accessible via a smartphone or tablet, is intended for site forepersons or works managers,” says Julien Fournier. “Thanks to a simple, highly visual interface, they submit their equipment needs to the dispatcher, who allocates internal resources or makes requests to their network of rental companies,” he explains. Exchanges are therefore dynamic and improve real-time operational management. The advantage, according to Julien Fournier, is the benefit of a more extensive list of rental companies than that generally used by the site foreperson, always calling on the same contacts. As for the deadline, it is possible to place an order for equipment for next-day delivery.
Connectivity between customers and rental companies
“Dispatcher.fr combines the temporal and geographical dimensions of machines”, announces the press release, meaning that it is possible to consult site schedules and work site mapping. In the field, the solution enables great flexibility: “Users can return a machine earlier than expected or make it available for a given time, for example as part of a long-term rental. They can also report mechanical breakdowns,” says Julien Fournier. The equipment manager has better visibility of equipment allocations thanks to Dispatcher. “The tool also facilitates reporting,” he adds. It should be noted that the data collected remains the exclusive property of the companies and is not used for any other purposes. As for rental companies, they receive and respond to quote requests via the dedicated web platform or by text message, thereby improving responsiveness.
This young company, founded in early 2013, has spent the past year testing the product and concept in collaboration with “a large customer, with sites nationwide,” the co-founder reveals. Dispatcher.fr is now in the deployment and commercial development phase.
G.N., Batiactu.