Reliable materials handling equipment is essential for warehouse operations to be able to consistently meet deadlines.  Breakdowns and unscheduled maintenance can be disruptive, leading to reduced productivity and reduced overall profitability.

It is for this reason that materials handling company CFAO Equipment SA developed an application (app) to create a digital thread between its fleet controllers and customer handling in Southern Africa. Its Magnitude Gold Rapid Response app has recently been upgraded to a platform to improve analytics reporting, speed up decision-making and improve on meeting customer expectations.

 “We continuously look for ways to enhance our solutions to add value for our customers. The unprecedented speed at which business is being conducted, coupled with the need to drive value, has seen the launch of the updated app come at an opportune time, especially as it incorporated changes gleaned from feedback provided by our users,” says CFAO Equipment SA national customer relations manager Ferial Leech.

The company notes that the trial phase of its app has seen significant uptake, with more than 100 customers already reaping the rewards. SAB Breweries says the Magnitude Gold Rapid Response app is now an essential tool in the organisation’s operations.

“The app’s name speaks for itself, with fleet controllers quickly responding when we log breakdowns, and I find this particularly important as we operate 24/7,” explains SAB Breweries fleet supervisor Warren Jaftha. “The app’s dashboard also provides essential data such as a breakdown history, which allows me as a fleet supervisor to track breakdown occurrences, what the cause of these may be, and what we can do to mitigate the risk of similar breakdowns reoccurring.”

The app allows the user to upload and send images and videos directly to CFAO Equipment SA operators, providing the dispatched technician with a clear picture of the possible cause of the breakdown, ensuring that the correct equipment and spare parts are on hand. This allows for efficient repairs, ensuring that equipment, such as forklifts, is back in operation as quickly as possible. The app also allows customers to track the progress of breakdowns.

“The app will allow us to continue delivering optimal service and ensure even greater levels of uptime, all with a view of increasing value generation by offering faster response times,” concludes Leech.

The Magnitude Gold Rapid Response app is available on iOS and Android.