Hi-tech solutions track vehicle condition

PHENOMENAL GROWTH in the automotive industry has seen an increase in the size of the logistics chain. “With such high value cargo it has become important for operators, whether cargo owners, carriers or logistics operators, to be able to accurately track the condition of vehicles,” says Rennie Murray’s Garth Huggins. “And this is not only for the purposes of claims, but also to ensure that the quality of the logistics chain is maintained.” The growth in volumes has also forced surveyors to adapt to changing technology to ensure rapid, accurate and consistent reporting to principals, says Huggins. “Surveys are now conducted by Rennie Murray & Co utilising hand-held scanners which read bar code labels on the vehicles and accept information relating to damages. ”This information is then downloaded to a computer database, allowing rapid generation of reports and statistical data to show either the condition of a single unit, a single consignment or a statistical trend over a period of time.” In the interests of providing a highly skilled and specialised service, the company has set up a dedicated Motor Vehicle Inspection Unit.