Feature: Hard-core software

Technology is at the forefront of the rental industry today (among many other industries), and software developers have a huge gap in the market to provide rental companies with software management tools, in order to keep business running smoothly.

For starters, Netherlands-based HiGH Software has an enhanced system in the shape of its DynaRent for Microsoft Dynamics.

The company says that its proven multi-industry solutions suite integrates fully with Microsoft Dynamics 365 for operations and works hand-in-glove with Microsoft’s cloud-first and mobile-first focus.

Along with built-in ERP integration, DynaRent can interface with third-party and government stakeholders for fast and secure information transfer and sharing, says HiGH Software. Value-add capabilities such as Tom-Tom integration, cloud-based IoT management, and end-to-end mobile field service are said to offer the edge for agility, customer satisfaction, and a profitable order-to-cash cycle.

DynaRent also offers Microsoft Power BI integration that is designed specifically for equipment-driven companies.

The company says that its customers include Riwal, Eazi Access Rental, BMS, Havator, HWS, YIT Kalusto, Arcomet, Europcar, and Terberg Leasing.

Meanwhile, Wynne Systems, based in the US, has recently launched RenterLink, an m-Commerce application.

The company’s latest software is described as facilitating rental transactions between rental companies and their customers using mobile devices.

The software is built with a deep integration to Wynne Systems’ RentalManTM ERP solution, and can function as a mobile app that travels with renters from the office to construction sites.

Wynne Systems has experienced rapid growth over the past two years through business acquisitions and technology initiatives. And John Bureau, general manager of Wynne Systems, said, “Extending our ERP solution to include mobile devices makes sense for our customers.

“On-demand apps, IoT (internet of things) innovation, and analytics are at the forefront of our software growth strategy and RenterLink delivers the perfect starting point.”

RenterLink can be branded and customised to facilitate a company’s unique rental operational processes. The application’s core functionality comprises requesting and viewing rental transactions, delivery status alerts, and notifications; eSignature capture; equipment pick-up requests; and instant access to customer support.

Meanwhile, Herc Rentals, a subsidiary of Herc Holdings, has implemented Infor’s CloudSuite Equipment Rental and Infor CloudSuite HCM (Human Capital Management) into its business, in a bid to establish a more consolidated and flexible approach to managing mission-critical business processes.

As a full-service equipment rental firm, Infor says Herc Rentals wanted to simplify the way it managed the 4,600 team members that are spread across 280 company-owned branches. In addition to labour management tools, Herc Rentals also wanted to simplify the way it met customer demands by consolidating data, reducing customisations and bolstering operational efficiencies.

Enhanced operations

Infor says the addition of its CloudSuite Equipment Rental software is expected to considerably enhance operations by increasing visibility into fleet management and asset availability, which in turn can streamline equipment reservations by customers.

Richard Marani, senior vice president and chief information officer, Herc Rentals, said, “We operate in a highly competitive industry, which requires us to maintain a balance between lean, efficient operations and an effective yet scalable output to adhere to customer demands.

“Infor CloudSuite provides us with additional flexibility and cost transparency that help us improve the way we conduct business.”

Over in the UK, software developer MCS says Hoogwerkservice, an independent supplier of aerial platforms, cranes and lifting equipment and member of IPAF, has implemented its MCS-rm rental management software into its business.

The software is said to be coded up in the most up-to-date Microsoft technology and SQL database.

MCS says the company selected MCS as its software partner because of the company’s experience, gained from over thirty years within the rental industry, along with its flexible approach to problem solving.

On implementing MCS’ software, a Hoogwerkservice spokesperson said, “Just like us, MCS is a company that embraces future technology and never stands still.

“In choosing MCS as our software partner, we have made sure that our software solutions will continue to evolve in line with our future growing needs, from a company that we know we can trust.”

Using MCS-rm the company can now see up-to-date and accurate information on each asset, as well as being able to share current machine availability with the hire desk, says MCS.

In terms of upgrades, Point of Rental Software, a US-based software developer, has now updated its flagship product – Syrinx – to ensure customers can tackle their maintenance process on any mobile device with Syrinx Workshop.

Customers can download the latest software on iTunes and Google Play.

Revolutionary

Point of Rental says that the Workshop App completely revolutionises the manual process of printing out hardcopies and distributing documents by hand.

Mark Goodrum, managing director of Point of Rental Software, said, “We’re excited to be able to bring the benefits of Syrinx Workshop to a new audience.

“Our programming team has worked hard to ensure maintenance teams are able to use Workshop’s revolutionary features to streamline work and increase efficiency across the entire company, regardless of their mobile device platform.”

The company says its Workshop App reduces cost and time, provides a greater control of a company’s stock, and ensures accurate communication.

Attempting to increase its awareness, software specialist Jaama says it is continuing to drive into the plant, equipment and tool rental sector with its new rental software.

Named Key2 Hire Management, the software system has been fronted at a number of rental-specific exhibitions this year, in a bid to increase awareness of its product.

According to Jordan Thompson, hire software manager at Jaama, it is critical that renters use technology to maximise and grow their business potential, starting with a complete audit trail that clearly identifies all legislative compliance requirements are up-to-date, The exact location of all equipment in terms of who the customer is, and a full history of all assets to maximise stock use.

Thompson said, “Without that information at the fingertips of management, businesses will become inefficient and potentially lose money because they will not be maximising hiring opportunities.

“What’s more, companies could be investing in plant and other equipment that is rarely out of the yard when they could maximise increased hire opportunities by purchasing additional examples of in-demand machines and other equipment.”

Finally, inspHire has enhanced its Mobile software system in a bid to improve its logistics management.

Its aim is to improve communication with drivers using handheld devices. Schedules for deliveries, collections and exchanges as well as workshop jobs can now be collated and edited, with both rental desk staff and the mobile workforce able to stay in the know, says the company.

The new integration allows inspHire Mobile to work hand in hand with the transport booking screen within the inspHire Office system. This improved functionality makes it easy for the rental desk to stay connected with drivers and engineers. inspHire says that the vastly improved communications, planning and scheduling means the movement of equipment will become much more efficient.

inspHire managing director, Graham Dobbs, said, “We’ve seen a lot of businesses seeking access to real-time data. Using hand held devices that work in conjunction with the main business system makes communication across all areas of the business incredibly efficient, giving employees access to the information they need to complete their duties.

“The latest update we’ve introduced allows businesses to greatly improve how they manage the transport of equipment”.

Fleet improvements

Leading JCB dealer, Scot JCB, has adopted Maxoptra’s dynamic route planning and scheduling platform across its countrywide network of service depots in the UK.

Scot JCB says the joined-up up Maxoptra TomTom solution is already delivering improvements in operational efficiency, giving it better visibility – and therefore better management – of its mobile workforce, as well as boosting customer service.

Maxoptra’s software has been designed for fleet management, meaning rental companies are a key target for the software company.

Robin Bryant, director of Scot JCB, said, “We pride ourselves in going the extra mile to keep our customers up and running.

“With Maxoptra on board, we are confident we can build on our strong reputation for service and, based on initial results, improve efficiency and therefore customer confidence.”

Scot JCB uses Maxoptra to provide the link between its back office booking system, Frontline FMS, and the in-cab TomTom Webfleet, supplied by systems integrator Vtec Solutions. Engineers working in the field can automatically accept new jobs, complete and return job manifests and, in due course, live-check the availability of parts or equipment.

How eC?

Rental company Cramo has been working hard towards creating its own online software management system, which began during its 70-hour Innovations Race late last year.

The company has created an e-commerce rental solution, and says it is one of the first movers in the equipment rental industry to provide its customers with a full e-commerce solution with online rental, online return and jobsite and account management services.

Cramo’s e-commerce rental solution, named eCRent, was launched in Sweden, Finland, Germany and Austria. The company says it plans to launch eCRent in other countries in which it operates later this year.

The company aims to continuously develop its solution to provide its customers a better digital customer experience, it says.

Elina Aalto, e-Commerce manager at Cramo Group, said, “The customer feedback and tests are extremely important to us and all development is done with customer centric mind-set.

“We are putting a lot of focus in providing our customers the possibility to operate with us, including through the digital channels, and our company is taking digitalisation very seriously.”