Navman Wireless and Domino’s pizzas might appear to be an odd partnership, but it’s a winning duo, explains John Oxley.

You might have seen the TV ad, but the roll-out of the new Domino’s order tracking system is a triumph for Navman Wireless, which developed the GPS vehicle tracking solution which underpins the system.

The move not only increases efficiency but also improves safety for Domino’s’ drivers, while allowing consumers to track their pizza delivery in real time. Delivery vehicles operating from Domino’s 91 stores nationwide will be outfitted with the custom developed solution.

A pilot programme in Australia resulted in increased revenue and fewer driver accidents for Domino’s, and now the company is rolling out its GPS tracking devices into approximately 750 vehicles including scooters and cars in its stores across New Zealand.

And as a result, Domino’s has been able to hire more – and better – staff.

Says Domino’s New Zealand general manager Scott Bush: “We saw an incredibly positive response to the GPS fleet management device in test markets, so rolling out the initiative nationwide was a no-brainer. The device provides visibility and insight into driver behaviour which helps keep our staff safe while also improving efficiency.

“We have been successful in hiring new staff, and also a great calibre of staff. The fact that such emphasis is on safety now with the new GPS system we have had more people keen on the roles.”

How does it work? Ian Daniel, Navman Wireless vice president Asia Pacific, explains: “Each Domino’s delivery vehicle is fitted with a GPS tracking device. This may be either as a ‘car topper’ which goes on the roof of the car, or a device fitted into the delivery e-bike, scooter or car.

“The device transmits asset status and location information via the mobile network, which allows the customer to visualise where the delivery vehicle is en route, and the store to see real time the driver’s location via a graphical display in-store. Additionally the solution provides a wide range of safety and efficiency reports.”

“Navman Wireless’ GPS fleet management solution enables our managers to track vehicles at all times, determine who is behind the wheel and how safely they’re driving,” said Scott.

“Monitoring driver behaviour and providing feedback to drivers to help them improve supports us to meet our obligations as an employer, which is particularly important in the light of the changing health and safety legislation in New Zealand.”

The Navman Wireless system increases the efficiency of the delivery process – getting fresher pizza to customers faster.

The GPS system integrates with the pizza ordering and making system, so completed orders get to the driver faster, then the GPS system helps drivers locate the delivery point more easily, reducing time taken searching for the correct address.

“The information is displayed visually on big screens, so it is quick and easy for store managers to see at-a-glance where each of the vehicles are and their current status, i.e. on way to delivery, at delivery location, and returning from a delivery as vehicle icons are colour coded on the display,” adds Ian Daniels.

“Store managers are able to confirm their employees are driving safely and are also alerted if a driver has been stationary for too long.

“The system measures real time speed against the posted speed limit, as well as harsh braking or acceleration. This improves Domino’s ability to react quickly if a driver gets into any difficulty while working.

“Previously there was an information ‘black hole’ between the pizza being completed instore then delivered to the door. Now there is transparency for Domino’s managers and customers across the whole process.”

What other advantages are there?

“Store managers can access a wide variety of reporting metrics via the application that allows them to see how their store is performing individually, and also in comparison to other stores in the region and across the country,” adds Ian.

How have customers responded to the new system? “Customers seem to have responded really well, it is such a transparent system for our customers – they can see where their product is at each step. It has also increased customer satisfaction,” adds Scott Bush.

“Customer feedback has increased as has employee satisfaction. Both customers and employees seem to enjoy the transparency. “

- Navman Wireless is a global leader in GPS-based fleet optimisation products and services, including real-time vehicle tracking and analytics that enable companies to monitor, measure and improve operational costs and efficiencies.

The company’s technology, in tandem with Teletrac Inc., currently tracks more than 500,000 vehicles owned by over 40,000 organisations on five continents. For more visit www.navmanwireless.co.nz