Two highway companies have been selected as finalists at this year’s Digital Entrepreneur Awards for their innovative use of workforce management software.
Kier Group PLC and Mervyn Lambert Plant Ltd have both been commended for the innovative ways they are using digital solutions provided by MyMobileWorkers.
Kier Group PLC - Digital Innovation in the Public Sector
Kier have been shortlisted in the Digital Innovation in the Public Sector category for the way they have used technology to improve the road maintenance service they provide to Surrey County Council.
They chose MyMobileWorkers to create a digital management system. After six months of development, they delivered the Works Manager Mobile System (WMMS) which has boosted productivity by around 30 percent.
The system allows the work of mobile teams to be remotely monitored and managed in real-time with a smartphone app providing accurate information on exactly where each highway worker is and the status of the tasks they’re doing.
The success of the switch to digital management helped Kier to handle a huge surge in road maintenance tasks which was caused by severe flooding in 2013, creating a threefold increase in repair work.
Along with the productivity boost, the digital system has transformed the way the company is able to share information with Surrey County Council; as well as significantly improving scheduling efficiency and reducing transport costs for site visits.
Barry Carroll, Technology Project Manager of Kier said:
“The switch to WMMS has allowed Kier's relationship with Surrey County Council to flourish. The technology has allowed for a much more unified client-contractor partnership.”
Mervyn Lambert Plant Ltd - Most Innovative Use of Digital Technology
Mervyn Lambert Plant (MLP) are shortlisted for the Most Innovative Use of Digital Technology award for their traffic management department’s use of a real-time system. They switched from paper-based processes to a mobile workforce management system provided by MyMobileWorkers in 2016, allowing them to virtually remove all administrative paperwork.
The system integrates RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements) procedures into the everyday workflow of their gangs, ensuring that all proper checks are carried out. It also allows on-site operatives to send images of work-in-progress to an off-site MLP support team, who are able to provide expert knowledge, advice and guidance.
The technology has also proved to be a crucial tool in shielding MLP from having to pay unwarranted Section 74 charges for prolonged works. With digital proof of the date, time and location of each activity, the company has reduced requests for contra charge payments from £200,000 to zero.
Nick Pack, General Manager of Mervyn Lambert Plant Ltd said:
“We can now enforce a process for our workforce to follow whilst providing the ability to complete checklists, risk assessments and photographs.
“MyMobileWorkers has been revolutionary to our business - pure and simple.”
The MyMobileWorkers system was launched in 2011 by Momote, a company specialising in providing mobile solutions for business challenges. The flexible software is now used by companies throughout Europe, with its ability to remotely manage workers proving particularly powerful within the highways sector.
Along with speed and efficiency savings, a real-time system provides significantly improved client-contractor communications and more effective compliance procedures. Safety checks and notifications are able to delivered to workers via on-screen messages and notifications.
Graham Whistance, Managing Director of MyMobileWorkers said:
“A major focus with the development of our system is to ensure that it has the flexibility required to meet the specific needs of each organisation.
It’s really encouraging to see this happening with the innovative ways both of these companies have found to unlock smarter, safer and more efficient ways to operate.”
The winner of each category will be announced at Digital Entrepreneur Awards event taking place in Manchester on November 22nd.
