Latest technology to improve
rescue service for AA Ireland's
members.
Dublin, July 7th, 2006.
AA Ireland has launched a new computer system that will
manage the 120,000 breakdown callouts that the motoring
organisation is now handling annually.
The rescue centre application,
developed by Irish software companies Mentec International
and Mapflow, will enable AA to manage the complete roadside
assistance cycle more effectively. As part of an ongoing
investment in the latest technology for roadside rescue,
this consolidates the AA's
position as the most advanced, comprehensive and sophisticated
rescue service that has ever been available to the Irish
motorist.
" Dealing with 120,000 vehicle call-outs across
Ireland every year is a huge operational challenge." Says
Membership Director Dennis Fisk. "People get stranded
in unfamiliar surroundings, poor weather conditions and
potentially unsafe situations. It's very reassuring
for them to know that once they contact us, our operators
know exactly where they are, where the nearest patrol is
and that we're on the way. If there is any problem,
such as traffic build-up between us and our customer, we
can react accordingly before it ever becomes an issue for
them."
The system was developed by Mentec
using Microsoft .NET and SQL Server technologies and
builds on AA Ireland's
previous investment in Mapflow GIS technology. All communication
between AA's rescue centre and its mobile patrols
is carried out using Mobile Data Transfer (MDT) technology,
with each AA Patrol accessing complete incident reports
and providing updates through their MDT unit.
" Our rescue investment programme is ongoing." Says
Fisk. "For over five years we have had GPS-enabled
vehicles and the Mapflow product provided us with a mapping
information system for traffic monitoring." Says
Fisk. "Now this new software system combines our
rescue management operations with this geographical information.
We can pinpoint the location of the caller, and this makes
us even more efficient. That will mean an extra time saving
for AA members at the side of the road."
" We now have a central management console that
provides real-time information on breakdowns as they happen.
We can manage patrol despatches more effectively, with
a complete view on the progress of call-outs. It's
all invisible to the customer, but they get back on the
road as soon as possible which is what really matters."
One of the other main advantages
of the project relates to reporting and tracking information.
The Mentec system allows AA Ireland to very quickly consolidate,
analyse and report on the masses of data produced around
the company's
breakdown operations. In addition to enabling AA to more
effectively plan and resource for future customer requirements,
the system provides a unique insight into Irish motoring
through the large volume of data that it collects.
The new system also allows the AA to analyse vast amounts
of empirical data and drill down into underlying trends
and issues. Reports can be produced in a fraction of the
time previously required.
Mentec's managing director Kevin Haverty concludes: "As
a company that defines itself by the quality of its customer
service, AA Ireland can now promote that objective in a
very innovative way."
NOTES
" Real-time mapping and location systems are increasingly
important to rescue organisations such as the AA" said
Richard Bryce, Mapflow CEO. "From the moment the
first rescue call comes in, accurately locating the rescue
on a map, finding the nearest available patrol vehicle
or approved garage, and monitoring the job progress through
to completion are all vital to ensuring that the AA meets
increasingly demanding customer requirements and service
expectations."
About AA Ireland
AA Ireland is the country's major motoring organisation.
Established as far back as 1910, AA Ireland has become
one of the country's best known and most trusted
brands. With nearly a century of service behind it, AA
Ireland is recognised as one of the most respected independent
voices for the Irish motorist.
There are now some 460,000 AA customers
in Ireland. The AA employs its own roadside patrols and
has invested very significantly in resources for its
Rescue Service. The deployment of new technologies such
as the AA's Vixen
diagnostic system and a policy of ‘go not tow' means
that the AA repairs in excess of 80 per cent of all car
breakdowns on the spot.
About Mentec International
Mentec International delivers and integrates business solutions
in the UK and Irish marketplace. The company enables
organisations to address strategic business challenges
and drive operational efficiencies through the application
of market-leading technology and best business practice.
Mentec's solutions combine best-in-class business applications
from Microsoft Corporation and Unit 4 Agresso with professional
web, technical and managed services. www.mentec.com
About Mapflow
Mapflow develops location based software solutions that
combine Mapflow's GIS middleware with positioning and
communications technologies including satellite (eg GPS)
and mobile (GSM) to locate assets such as vehicles or
people. Mapflow's solutions address a variety of business
applications including Mobile Workforce Management, Vehicle
Tracking, Road User Charging and Pay As You Drive motor
insurance. Mapflow is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland
and has offices in Dublin and London, UK.
