Called Rich Internet Application or RIA for short, the new browser-based user interface from fleet management software specialist, Sofico replaces the current Rich Desktop Application interface (RDA) within the company’s main Miles software system, and has been designed to make the experience for the end-user far more user-friendly, with increased functionality, greater use of dashboards, charts and graphics and improved visual appeal.

According to Ron Peters, team leader information systems, the introduction of the new Miles RIA user interface will deliver a wealth of benefits to ALD.

‘We are the first fleet customer to be using the new user interface on a live database,’ said Mr Peters,’ and were very keen to have it because of all the new features and benefits it offers.

‘We can now configure and customise the screen layouts within Miles to exactly how we want them and we can adapt them ourselves to meet the exact needs of our business.

‘For example, we provide fleet management services to fleet customers as well as operational leasing, and we can now customize the Miles quote screen for whichever service we are offering.

‘We also provide fleet management services to a number of vehicle manufacturers, including Ford and Volvo, for example. Now we are able to design quotation screens to match the specific data requirements of each manufacturer, and we can assure all this information is on one screen which is a major advantage.

‘Another benefit of the new user interface is that it allows the user to set up “my favourites” and “recent history” features similar to those you see with Internet Explorer. This allows the user to go back to a customer that they deal regularly without having to open up new screens every time. This increases productivity and efficiency, especially where you may be contacting one customer 20 times a day,’ he said.

There are lots of new features that Mr Peters finds very useful. ‘The new screens highlight any omissions you make by lighting up the omitted area, while information bubbles contain vital customer contact information which you can easily access without having to leave the main screen,’ he said.

ALD Automotive Netherlands is now training its staff in the use of the new Miles RIA user interface, and has created a team of four “super users” who can not only train the end users but also provide a first line of IT support and guidance.

‘We either go to Sofico’s offices in Belgium or their trainers come here to help us get up to speed as quickly as possible with the new interface,’ said Mr Peters.

ALD Automotive will be making the new user interface available to its Belgian operations from the second quarter of 2013 to ensure it can access the same benefits across its whole Benelux operation.