Destiny: Family Mosaic Case Study

“The best thing is the piece of paper that you can leave behind”

Saul Stevens, Head of IT, Family Mosaic

The challenge – spending more face-to-face time with clients

As one of the UK’s leading housing associations, Family Mosaic provides good quality, affordable homes and housing services to over 45,000 people in communities across London and Essex.

They have a reputation for pioneering within the housing association sector – especially in using IT for increased efficiency and productivity.

Family Mosaic also has a large portfolio of homes for people with extra support needs.

A primary objective for Family Mosaic is to enable their floating and visiting support staff in Supported Housing to increase the time available for direct, face-to-face client support.

Local authority commissioners are also now requiring that support staff should spend between 80% and 90% of their time on client-facing activities.

In the past, their ability to do this was restricted by having to spend at least one day per week at the office carrying out administrative and IT tasks, such as writing up notes and updating a Pivotal ERP system. This also meant delays in creating up-to-date records, and the potential risk of urgent cases not being addressed.

As they started looking for a better way of recording information in the field and transmitting it back to base, Family Mosaic had to take account of some very specific issues, namely:

• Supported Housing staff are from a care background and cannot be assumed to be particularly IT literate;

• their job often involves building an empathetic relationship with clients based on trust and support – so expensive-looking technology could easily seem confrontational or create an unwelcome barrier;

• they often need to leave a signed document with the client with actions that both have agreed to – very difficult to do cost-effectively with many forms of mobile IT.

'' “We looked at other alternatives but they simply weren’t appropriate”, said Saul Stevens, Head of IT for Family Mosaic. “We ruled out laptops in particular because of all the issues to do with cost, risk, support and just giving the wrong impression. On the other hand, our staff are used to filling out forms – so digital pen technology based on a natural way of communicating was immediately attractive.”''

The solution: fast and simple digital pen technology

The digital pen, based on Anoto Digital Pen and Paper technology, was demonstrated by Chris Akinbile, area manager for Destiny, and was convincing. When they saw a form being written out, transmitted and then received back on a BlackBerry in seconds, they saw for themselves just how fast and simple it was.

An early step was to carry out the design of five digital forms – based on the same look and feel as the existing ones.

The most important of these is the Supported Housing Needs Form, which records the client’s name, a unique identifying case number, the date of the visit and notes.

Designing the forms enabled Family Mosaic to take a fresh look at business processes, and became the catalyst for improved efficiency and more collaborative working. Users were involved in the process from start to finish, which played an important part in creating buy-in and ownership. Chris Akinbile from Destiny was also closely involved to make sure they had everything they needed.

The next step was to carry out a small two month pilot with five users to prove the technical capability. Using the Destiny system, pen strokes are automatically recorded as the user writes out the form, and then transmitted via their BlackBerry simply by ticking a SEND box.

The data is automatically routed to Destiny’s secure servers, the pen strokes are instantly converted by Vision Objects MyScript software into a graphical image of the form in pdf format and a small data file in xml format, and transmitted on to Family Mosaic’s computer system. The graphical image is automatically recognised via a unique ID and stored in a database with the other client’s records, while the data file goes straight into their Pivotal ERP system. Any incorrect ID is rejected by the system, and can be quickly checked.

By capturing all this information at source in the field, and having it automatically uploaded, Supported Housing staff no longer need to spend a day or more every week in the office, scanning forms and updating the Pivotal system. They’re free to do what they’re best at – spending time with clients, and looking after their needs.

Just as importantly, they no longer need to paraphrase their notes as they transcribe them – and risk losing the detail of the contemporaneous record. And since the process of writing out the form is so simple and familiar, any training required is minimal.

The results: big savings in time and efficiency

The results of the pilot were very positive. The users took easily to the digital pens, and could see immediately how much time they would be able to save. Both the pens and the automatic upload process were proved to be reliable and easy to use, and the quality of Pivotal data also improved.

The next step is that the full system is now being rolled out to 215 floating and visiting support officers.

“It’s a really fantastic tool” says Head of IT Saul Stevens. “With the need to enter notes manually completely eliminated, our staff can now spend far more time with clients and provide an even better service. They can focus on the things that really matter - not admin. They’re not being asked to do anything that they haven’t done before, and the technology they’re using is completely appropriate – easy to pick up and run with straightaway.”

Bridget Cooper is the project sponsor and head of operations in South Essex. She says:

“Enabling our staff to spend more time with clients means we can provide greater value for money to our commissioners, making our service more cost-effective and competitive. We’re recording information much more quickly and only once - with no duplicated work, and no more need to write or type notes up later. The quality of the information is very good too.”

Saul adds: “The best thing is the piece of paper that you can leave behind to meet regulatory requirements and act as a client contract. It’s a human solution – as well as an IT one. But the system works well from all other angles too. It tracks start and end times to prove our face-to-face client time. And it takes out a lot of work from back-end processing. It’s just a very neat, simple solution that will make a big difference for our staff.”

Axiotron Releases Quickscript

El SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA (August 25, 2009) -- Modbook® manufacturer Axiotron® today released the public beta version of Quickscript™, the company’s new handwriting recognition application which offers highly accurate recognition of cursive handwriting, hand-printed text and isolated characters in 26 different languages.

Quickscript is now available for free download at http://www.axiotron.com/quickscript to Mac® users with systems running Mac OS® X version 10.5.x -- including users of the Modbook, Axiotron’s award-winning tablet Mac computer. Mac users who have pen tablet devices (such as those manufactured by Wacom®) with the latest drivers should in most instances be able to use Quickscript.

By incorporating state-of-the-art technology developed by Vision Objects®, a worldwide leader in handwriting recognition software, Quickscript lets users write in Microsoft® Word, Excel®, Pages®, TextEdit and other applications that accept text input. Its many convenient features include a pop-up text-entry pane, configurable interface, basic gesture support, personal dictionary and handwriting recognition training.

For users of Axiotron’s Modbook, Quickscript provides the most intuitive text-entry option to date. With its powerful text recognition engine, Quickscript transforms the Modbook into a productive note-taking device for students and professionals -- a highly portable tablet that delivers robust conversion of handwriting into digital characters.

Quickscript supports 26 languages, including Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Arabic. The application comes pre-installed with an English (U.S.) language package. Users can download and install any of the other language packages. A full list of the available language packages can be found at http://www.axiotron.com/quickscript.

One of the most innovative aspects of Quickscript is Kopernikus™, the application’s digital assistant feature. Demonstrated by Apple® co- founder and Axiotron Board of Advisors member Steve Wozniak at the 2009 Macworld Expo, Kopernikus understands written commands and helps users control their computer. Through its native support of AppleScript®, Mac OS X’s built-in automation technology, Kopernikus allows users to create unlimited commands in all 26 supported languages. Similar to the Mac OS X “Speech Recognition” feature, Kopernikus (properly configured) will open applications and perform other functions when commands are written in the Quickscript pane. Future versions of Kopernikus will allow for more complex commands.

“Quickscript is a game-changer for the Modbook,” said Andreas E. Haas, CEO of Axiotron. ''“This application adds a new level of utility to the Modbook for writing and note-taking, and with Kopernikus we are aiming to bring back the type of artificial intelligence that made the Newton MessagePad so revolutionary.”''

More information about this time-limited, public beta version of Quickscript can be found at http://www.axiotron.com/quickscript.

About Axiotron A high-tech solution hardware manufacturing company and an Apple Premier Developer, Axiotron produces the Modbook, the award-winning tablet Mac solution. Following its unique vision of Customizing Your World™, Axiotron is dedicated to becoming a leading high-tech innovator through the conception and development of intriguing digital lifestyle products. In addition, Axiotron offers its product development expertise to companies in need of custom hardware solutions. Founded in January 2005, Axiotron is a publicly traded company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V: AXO) in Toronto, Canada, with headquarters in El Segundo, California.

Axiotron, Modbook, Quickscript, Kopernikus and Customizing Your World are trademarks or registered trademarks of Axiotron, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Apple, Mac, Mac OS, AppleScript and Pages are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Vision Objects is a trademark or registered trademark of Vision Objects in the U.S. and other countries. Wacom is a trademark or registered trademark of Wacom Co., Ltd. in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Microsoft Word are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

Better cash flow and improved customer service for safety systems supplier

The challenge – faster reporting on life-critical equipment
The emergency equipment supplied by Channel Safety Systems is critical to life and safety. From fire alarms to emergency lighting and nurse call systems, the company has a thirty year track record of designing, manufacturing, distributing, commissioning and maintaining equipment that has to be completely dependable where compliance is key, and lives are at stake.

A nationwide team of ten service engineers carries out surveys, consultancy, installation and maintenance. Working from vans in the field, they’re often called on to undertake commissioning and maintenance on behalf of major electrical wholesalers.

The job sheets completed by engineers are of vital importance in keeping an accurate record of work carried out, continuing to satisfy BAFE accreditation, and triggering the invoicing process. Previously, four separate forms were filled in and faxed back to the office from engineers’ homes in the evening. But this process was fraught with problems – from poor legibility to missing sheets and delays of several days.

Because the paperwork was slow in catching up with the job, service coordinators didn’t have information on hand to answer customers’ calls about progress or rescheduling. In some cases it could take weeks from job completion to invoice. And the company sometimes had to spend up to £100 on express deliveries to meet their 24 hour response commitment.

The solution – cost-effective digital pen technology
Channel Safety Systems set about looking for a better way of improving both cash flow and customer service. PDAs were considered as an option, but they proved too expensive and not appropriate for a multi-page form. A key requirement was to keep things simple to avoid major changes to working practices or the need for training. Destiny’s digital pen, which is based on Anoto technology, emerged as the most cost-effective answer.

An early task, as part of a process review, was to consolidate the previous four separate sheets into one digitised four page booklet incorporating a front sheet, maintenance record, commission handover and decibel level. More tick boxes were included to make completion even quicker and easier.

Now, after engineers have carried out each job, they write out the form in the usual way but using a digital pen. Ticking a “send” box on the form automatically transmits the hand written details on the form from the pen via their mobile phones to Destiny’s secure servers, where Vision Objects MyScript hand writing recognition software converts the hand written notes to data. Once they’ve first verified the job number on their handsets. Only one paper document is needed, and this is left with the customer.

The job number is the unique identifier that marries up the information recorded in the field with pre-printed data on the individual job sheet - customer name, address, contact, job number and instructions. This data is drawn from the company’s in-house service management system - so when the completed form is transmitted, converted by Destiny and sent on, it goes straight into the relevant customer’s job file as a graphical pdf which contains all the information about a particular job. The process is so fast that the completed form is back in the main system within a minute of being sent by the field engineer.

“The new process has proved really beneficial”, says Diane Marjoram, Service Manager for Channel Safety Systems. “Using a unique job number and having the pdf sent back to our database so fast means that we can just click on the job sheet and instantly see all the details we need.”
The results – same day invoicing and proactive customer calls with no capital cost
But the real rewards of the system, says Diane, are the dramatic effects that it’s had on speeding up invoicing and improving customer service.

''“Within thirty minutes of the completed job sheet coming in, our service team can now make a proactive call to the customer. If there’s equipment that needs attention, or needs to be added to, moved or replaced, we can act much faster and get the parts ordered. We’re fully up-to-date with what’s going on, and so are our customers. We’ve gone from poor visibility to being able to provide a brilliant service. Our paperwork is so well controlled now that we can concentrate on what really matters to our customers.”''

Same day invoicing is also now a reality with the new system. This is a real boost for cash flow, and a far cry from the days when invoicing was held up while staff waited all day for faxes to be sent through. There’s now a clear and full audit trail based on each job number.

Getting rapid information about completed jobs has brought many other benefits. More time is freed up for planning, and less spent travelling. Engineers are more quickly free to go on to the next job – and are often able to go back to the customer the same day or first thing next day to carry out further repairs or to install new equipment. Ownership of service issues is better, and can be carried out by a smaller number of coordinators. Standard deliveries can now be used instead of express carriers.

Best of all, Channel Safety Systems have been able to take advantage of all this without any upfront capital cost. A five year lease and a monthly bill of just £15 per user covers the use of digital pens as well as form printing, licensing, hosting and support. And the support, according to Diane Marjoram, is brilliant. “They’re friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. Some other companies just make you want to scream. The Destiny team knows exactly what you’re talking about.”

Saving time and improving reliability with electronic proof of delivery

DSV Road is the largest member of Palletline, which is wholly owned by its member companies and was specifically created to enable customers to transport small palletised consignments or part-loads of freight across the UK and Ireland.

In 2008, Palletline required its members to be able to produce an electronic proof of delivery (POD) for each consignment, member companies were given until 7th July (2008) to comply, or face a heavy fine.

DSV evaluated a number of options to deliver this requirement and following a successful pilot involving 130 drivers they decided upon Destiny’s digital pen, which is based on Anoto Digital Pen and Paper technology. The technology was easy to use, with minimal need for training or change to working practices – especially important for contract drivers working infrequently for DSV, or those for whom English might not be their first language. '' “Technology plays a significant part in getting the right efficiencies into our operation”, says Rene Falch Olesen, MD of DSV Road Ltd. in UK. “The core of our business is giving good physical delivery and also good delivery of information to our customers. So the way we look at technology is that it has to be something that pays for us in terms of efficiency, therefore not imposing a cost on our customers.”''

Another objective was to cut down on the time and administration cost involved in handling and reviewing the incoming completed consignment notes. Historically these had been scanned in via OCR on the drivers’ return to depot – a process that could lead to lost or incorrect data, as well as delays in resolving delivery issues while drivers were kept waiting.

Now, a job delivery form is printed at the local depot on a unique embedded Anoto dot pattern, sourced online in seconds from Destiny’s servers. When the driver makes the delivery the customer signs the form using a digital pen, and adds any other written amendments.

The driver then simply ticks a “send” box to transmit the data on the form via a Bluetooth mobile phone back to Destiny’s servers. Here, the job is identified via the unique pen ID and dot pattern, and the pen strokes are processed and married up with the consignment details to recreate both a graphical image of the original form and a data file. These files are then instantly delivered to DSV’s FTP site, and also where relevant to Palletline where delivery “track and trace” systems are automatically updated, the whole process taking less than a minute.

The speed of this operation means that the depot manager and administrators have a near real-time view of forms processed, transports and consignments completed, and deliveries still to be made.

Using a customised website called Debriefer they can instantly view the details of every job, and be ready to deal with any issues by exception as soon as the driver returns. The GPS functionality on the Bluetooth mobile device also links into mapping software to further add proof of location at the point of delivery.

Efficiencies and management control have been enhanced through more streamlined processes, more productive use of time, faster turnarounds and near real-time consignment “track and trace” capability.

“Destiny’s digital pen is easy to understand because it looks like a normal pen. There’s a saving in the physical scanning of the document, and also a saving in the cost of the service. We know that the document is always going to be available, and it’s now an integral part of our aim to give full “track and trace” visibility from the beginning of the transaction until the goods are delivered.

“Time was of the essence with this project, Destiny was very quick to react to our requirements. They developed a bespoke form for us quickly and efficiently and introduced the technology via the pilot seamlessly, we have had full support from their team throughout the project, which has resulted quick adoption of the digital pen by our drivers. "

“We have now rolled this out across 700 drivers in the UK, based on pen usage, return on investment is less than six months”, says Rene Falch Olesen, MD of DSV Road Ltd. in UK. DSV Group have adopted the digital pen as a group wide solution, and the roll out to a further 5 European countries is expected to be complete by the end of 2009.

Edward Belgeonne, CEO and founder of Destiny, said: “''We’re delighted to be working with such a major global name as DSV, and to be delivering one of the first truly integrated POD solutions.” ''

About Destiny Destiny is the registered trademark for Destiny Wireless plc, a world leader in the business market for the delivery of mobile workforce solutions. Destiny is a global Platinum Partner of Anoto Group AB, one of five in the world and the only one in the UK. Destiny owns the IP rights of the Logitech io2 digital pen, making them one of two digital pen manufacturers in the world.

Destiny enables organisations with mobile workforces to get fast returns from high technology at low cost, with little or no training, change to working practices or upfront capital. The Destiny digital pen is based on Anoto Digital Pen and Paper technology and replaces paperwork delays and expensive trips back to the office with an easy-to-use and energy-efficient way of collecting accurate, reliable data from the field and transmitting it back to base in seconds.

Destiny’s services include digital pens, digitised forms, mobile devices and web-based tools for the efficient collection and management of data from the field, effective job push and allocation, resource management, intelligent scheduling and asset tracking.

Destiny’s award accolades include: 2007 Growing Business Awards Technology in Business; Microsoft’s People Moving Business, Quality in Construction for Excellence in ICT and the Information Age Effective IT Award. Edward Belgeonne, CEO and founder of Destiny, is the national winner of Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of The Year Award for Science and Technology, 2007. Destiny was also nominated a finalist in the BCS IT Industry awards for the Best Use of Green Technology Project Award in conjunction with Advanced Peripheral Systems (APS). For further information please visit destinyplc.com.

About Anoto Group Anoto Group is the company behind and world leading in the unique technology for digital pen and paper, which enables fast and reliable transmission of handwritten text into a digital format. Anoto operates through a global partner network that focuses on user-friendly forms solutions for efficient capture, transmission and storage of data within different business segments, e.g. healthcare, bank and finance, transport and logistics and education. The Anoto Group has around 110 employees, offices in Lund (head office), Boston and Tokyo. The Anoto share is listed on NASDAQ OMX Nordic small cap list under the ticker ANOT. For more information: www.anoto.com

Local company honoured by royal visit

Guildford, 10 February 2009

HRH The Duke of Kent today visited Destiny Wireless plc, an award-winning local company that’s helping other businesses to fight the recession with Destiny’s digital pen, which is based on Anoto Digital Pen and Paper technology.

The Duke paid a late morning visit to Destiny’s offices in Guildford, where he was met by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Sarah Goad JP. She presented some of Destiny’s key staff members to him including Chief Financial Officer Stephen Barton, Chief Technical Officer Oliver Seal, and Edward Belgeonne, the company’s founder and CEO.

Edward Belgeonne gave The Duke a short overview of how Destiny digital pens are enabling businesses to become more efficient and productive, and improve their cash flow through faster invoicing.

'' “We were delighted to have this opportunity to show His Royal Highness how low-cost and easy-to-use technology can make such a big difference,”'' said Edward Belgeonne, who was the national winner of Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of The Year Award for Science and Technology, 2007.

“As a small, but quickly growing company that’s strongly rooted in the area, we’re able to help others survive and thrive in tough economic times with a tool that’s as familiar as an ordinary pen. Anyone working away from the office can use it to record information and then transmit this back to base in just a few seconds. Best of all, they can do it with little or no capital outlay, training, or big changes to the way they work.”

“I am delighted The Duke was able to see and experience the digital pen first-hand and able to obtain an understanding of what this simple and cost-effective technology can do to help businesses in the economic down-turn. The Duke enjoyed his tour and finding out about the company from Edward. I hope The Duke’s visit will help further highlight Destiny’s success and more importantly their work in developing business enhancing solutions right here in Surrey”, said Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Sarah Goad JP.

During 2008 and the very challenging economic climate of 2009, Destiny remains at the forefront of enabling organisations in many different sectors to make practical and expedient business performance improvements through drastic cost savings, enhanced productivity and enhanced cash flow.

About Destiny

Destiny is the registered trademark for Destiny Wireless plc, a world leader in the business market for the delivery of mobile workforce solution. Destiny is a global Platinum Partner of Anoto Group AB, one of five in the world and the only one in the UK. In December 2007, Destiny announced the acquisition of the intellectual property rights of the Logitech io2 digital pen to become one of two digital pen manufacturers in the world. As the Destiny io2 digital pen, it’s now at the heart of the company’s full end-to-end solutions for the business market.

Destiny enables organisations with mobile workforces to get fast returns from high technology at low cost, with little or no training, change to working practices or upfront capital. The Destiny digital pen is based on Anoto Digital Pen and Paper technology and replaces paperwork delays and expensive trips back to the office with an easy-to-use and energy-efficient way of collecting accurate, reliable data from the field and transmitting it back to base in seconds.

In a difficult economic environment, Destiny can help businesses to stay ahead by speeding up processes, increasing efficiency, improving cash flow, reducing fuel consumption, securing competitive edge and maintaining profits.

Destiny solutions encompass digital pens, digitised forms, mobile devices and web-based tools for the efficient collection and management of data from the field, effective job push and allocation, resource management, intelligent scheduling and asset tracking.

They are used extensively for applications in the public sector, healthcare, service, sales, logistics, maintenance, inspection and construction. Destiny has won and enabled customers to win a string of prestigious awards including the 2007 Growing Business Awards Technology in Business, Microsoft’s People Moving Business, Quality in Construction for Excellence in ICT and the Information Age Effective IT Award. Edward Belgeonne, CEO and founder of Destiny, is the national winner of Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of The Year Award for Science and Technology, 2007. Destiny was also nominated a finalist in the BCS IT Industry awards for the Best Use of Green Technology Project Award in conjunction with Advanced Peripheral Systems (APS).

About Anoto Group Anoto Group is the company behind and world leading in the unique technology for digital pen and paper, which enables fast and reliable transmission of handwritten text into a digital format. Anoto operates through a global partner network that focuses on user-friendly forms solutions for efficient capture, transmission and storage of data within different business segments, e.g. healthcare, bank and finance, transport and logistics and education. The Anoto Group has around 110 employees, offices in Lund (head office), Boston and Tokyo. The Anoto share is listed on NASDAQ OMX Nordic small cap list under the ticker ANOT. For more information: www.anoto.com

For more information, please contact: Emma Blackmore PR Officer Destiny E: emma@ampersand.uk.com T: 0151 709 4547

Increasing vehicle service revenues in a recession

At a time when the automotive industry is facing very tough economic conditions, servicing is one area where dealers should be able to keep and increase their business. Even if drivers are not replacing their vehicles, most will want to maintain the ones they have.

Mike Eldrett, regional aftersales manager at Chrysler UK Ltd, had been looking for a robust electronic alternative to replace a paper based health check process at all dealerships to allow them to speed-up the servicing process and for it to become more customer friendly by allowing dealers to report back immediately to clients on service requirements and obtaining immediate sign-off for work.

“Chrysler piloted various electronic programmes over the last two years, but found Destiny’s digital pen, which is based on Anoto technology, integrated with an automated vehicle health check process developed by FGA Computer Systems, was the best solution with limited staff training and ease of use”, said Mike.

The service receptionist now fills in a digital vehicle health check form. The paper is normal paper with a series of hidden dots printed into the paper to digitise it. The form stays with the vehicle as the technician carries out a systematic health check, writing the results on the form with a digital pen, using tick boxes for speed and simplicity. The form is returned to the service desk where it’s signed by the customer with the digital pen.

As soon as the technician has completed the check, the data on the form is sent to Destiny’s secure servers - either by a simple docking process or via a Bluetooth mobile device. The pen strokes are instantly converted by Vision Objects MyScript software into a graphical image of the original handwritten form, and a data file.

These files are then transmitted back to the FGA web application in the service department, where service staff can immediately see the details on their screens, and cost the parts and labour of any work that’s required. With real-time visibility of any issues affecting the vehicle’s performance or roadworthiness, they’re now able to make immediate contact with the customer to get authorisation to proceed.

Average retail hours sold per invoice increased by 37.5%. Average revenue per job rose by £48. Workshop parts sales also increased by 14%, and with a projected 800 additional annual service hours per dealer, the positive impact on the entire Chrysler network could be as much as £3,645,328. '' “Daily sales have improved, and future revenue opportunities identified to maximise profitability in aftersales operations. Reporting measures to improve internal efficiency are also in place.

“The return-on-investment is impressive, once the digital pen is in use within the workshop can make a positive financial contribution to the business within days”'', explains Mike Eldrett.

With good follow-up processes for deferred work file, and the results from pilot dealers equally impressive with average deferred work file of 37,000 per month and a sales conversion of 7%, gave each dealer further incremental monthly sales average of £2,590.00, which could have a further positive impact to the Chrysler network of £190,070.

Chrysler is now rolling out the system to their dealership network. ''“The digital pen health check programme has provided a consistent measurable programme to our service department, which is easy to administer without any major training required for technicians. We have seen an average increase for on the day sales from our previous paper based system of an average per job of £131.46.

“Along with deferred work follow-up, daily sales based on 10% conversion over the last two months we have seen sales in excess of £5,500. The major benefit has been the consistent delivery of an electronic health check programme measured against vehicle throughput, measured against each technician, STM and parts personnel”'', said Tim Collier, Aftersales Manager at Whitehouse Group.

Edward Belgeonne, CEO and founder of Destiny, said:'' “Because there’s no cumbersome technology involved, and little or no training, people find digital pens really easy to use. And because nothing gets missed between the workshop and the service counter, dealers now have much higher up-selling and revenue opportunities.

“In today’s climate this could literally make the difference between going out of business and staying profitable. The investment required is also far lower than other IT solutions, so return on investment is normally very fast. Digital pen technology can be in use within the workshop and making a financial contribution to the business within days.”''

Tim McGing, managing director at FGA Computer Systems, said: “Dealers who want to maximise profitability in their aftersales operations can gain genuine and measurable benefits. In the last twelve months, dealers in the UK have identified more than £10 million of up-selling opportunities using this technology.”