Sunchip pioneers e-learning tool

Transport companies have always struggled to get all their drivers together in the one location for 'toolbox' training sessions, but Queensland woodchipping and transport firm Sunchip has come up with an innovative solution.

Sunchip teamed up with Fat Fingers IT Solutions to develop a new online induction and training tool that delivers information direct to its drivers' smartphones, allowing the firm to keep its workers abreast of training, safety information, legislation updates and more, wherever they are.

According to Sunchip's Managing Director, Mark Blackberry (pictured, centre), the system is unlocking a new level of efficiency.

"In the forestry industry the legislation in each of the states of Australia changes constantly," he says.

"With 30 B-doubles in continual operation at remote sites in Queensland and NSW, we were struggling to keep our drivers informed of everything they needed to know, so we looked to technology to provide a better way.

"It's virtually impossible to get all our drivers together but now we don't have to. The beauty of this system is that it's instant and everywhere at once. The driver can read the message, answer the questions right then and there and send us a confirmation that he or she has read and understood it."

Blackberry says the system has already paid for itself and will be updated with a range of new features over the coming year.

Mark Aldridge of Fat Fingers (pictured, right) says the tool offers incredible potential to transport companies.

"A big issue for many transport companies is making sure drivers have valid licences and tickets to allow them to operate in certain locations, carry particular loads or drive various types of vehicles," he says.

"The next version we're working on will keep track of all of that for you, massively reducing the administrative overhead of keeping a fleet of drivers on the road. The days of queueing at a port for an hour only to be turned away at the gate because your ticket has expired will be over."

Blackberry says Sunchip also uses the technology for its induction process for new drivers, the system allowing it to do the entire application and screening process online. The tool records the driver's acknowledgement that they've received and viewed the information, which can be delivered in text or video formats, thereby affording the company a degree of legal protection.

"Forestry is highly regulated and we've noticed that the amount of litigation is increasing," says Blackberry.

"This system does two things really well: it keeps the drivers informed of the rules they have to follow, which helps protect them, and it ensures that the company has met its legal obligations and can protect itself against litigation."

Sunchip says its prides itself on its innovative approach to business, and that extends to it choice of truck.

"We've used a range of bonneted trucks over the years and we're always looking for innovation," says Blackberry.

"In the last six months we've gone 100 per cent Mack, and that's because it's come a long way with its technology. Its MP-series engines and its mDRIVE automated manual gearbox are truly innovative, and as you can see from the system we've implemented, that's what Sunchip is all about."