Palmer and Harvey is upgrading driver PDAs (personal digital assistant) this year to improve efficiency and customer service.

The current system, consisting of nearly 1,000 hand-held devices, has been in place for four years. It is used to track vehicles and confirm delivery and service levels.

The new technology will feature a ‘co-pilot’ satellite navigation system, vehicle tracking, delivery asset recording, vehicle safety checks and messages, photography and scanning.

In addition, P&H’s new vehicles will have a ‘slipstream’ body, meaning they are 14% more fuel efficient. Improvements are also being made to the vehicles’ refrigeration systems.

Mark Leonard, group operations director, who joined the wholesaler nine months ago, said: “These developments are part of a wider programme of change taking place in our supply chain and will support greater efficiency.”

P&H operates a total of 1,350 vehicles, of which 950 will benefit from the improved system.

Tel: Palmer & Harvey (01273) 222100