Prism Healthcare Group says it has cut its van fleet’s average downtime from 43 days a month to six by using Ford Uptime Services. The UK company installs specialist equipment in hospitals and care homes, so a van off the road can mean patients waiting longer for equipment they rely on.

Work that happens away from the ambulances

Most people think of ambulances when they picture vehicles in healthcare. A great deal of the work, however, is done by service vans. Prism Healthcare Group’s technicians drive to hospitals and care homes to install specialist equipment for children with additional needs and for older people.

The company runs a fleet of 109 vans. In a story published on Ford’s From the Road site, Alan Akester, Prism’s head of fleet and facilities, explains how the business changed the way it keeps those vans running. He also argues that technicians should not have to deal with minor vehicle warnings on top of their day jobs.

Downtime of more than 40 days a month

Before the change, Prism’s vans were out of service for more than 40 days a month in total, according to the article. Those delays went beyond lost working hours. When a van was off the road, patients could end up waiting longer for the equipment they depend on.

How Ford Uptime Services works

Prism now uses Ford Uptime Services, which watches the fleet in real time. When a problem appears, the service can contact the driver directly with information and a proposed fix. That means the technician no longer has to spot and report every warning light.

Repairs can be carried out through Ford Mobile Service, which participating dealers offer at the customer’s depot or at a job site. Ford Pro says it can often diagnose faults remotely. The dealer then knows which parts or support are needed before the van arrives, which reduces the time spent waiting in the workshop.

From 43 days to six

Prism says average downtime has dropped from 43 days a month to six. Akester puts the saving at around £18,000 a month, plus less time spent on administration.

What it means

For businesses that run vans, a vehicle that isn’t working is the biggest hidden cost. Manufacturers are increasingly selling connected services and predictive maintenance with commercial vehicles. Ford Pro’s Uptime offering is one example of that trend. Prism’s case shows the benefit can reach beyond the operator’s own budget when the vans support essential services such as healthcare.

Facts: Prism Healthcare Group and Ford Uptime Services

  • Fleet size: 109 vans
  • Downtime before: more than 40 days a month (average of 43)
  • Downtime after: average of six days a month
  • Reported saving: around £18,000 a month, plus time and admin
  • Services used: Ford Uptime Services, Ford Mobile Service via participating dealers

Ford Uptime Services is available through Ford Pro and participating Ford dealers.

Source: ford.com