A PIONEERING communications system which enables transport companies to keep in contact with their drivers - but could also be used in many other ways - has been launched by an East Kent software company.

X:drive was set up five years ago by directors Reg Groombridge and Philip Cross to develop computer software solutions, and is based at the Tizard Centre at the University of Kent at Canterbury.

Mr Groombridge said: "We came up with the idea to put together a software package for local transport firms.”

That was a year ago, and now, after testing it during development, a Dover-based freight company has just taken delivery of a complete system, which will improve efficiency and make life easier for their drivers.

Priory Freight have installed a computer at their office at Old Park, Whitfield, and hand-held units - which are mounted on the dashboards - in 20 of their vehicles.

It enables office staff to send details of new orders direct to each vehicle without the need for costly mobile phone calls, or for the drivers to stop and write down the details.

They can also use a GPS facility to download directions for where they have to go, complete with voice guidance to talk them into their location.

If there is any query over the condition of the goods they are collecting, the unit doubles up as a camera, and they can send a picture of the goods straight back to their head office.

And the customer can even put their signature on the unit to confirm collection or delivery, which is also transmitted back to base.

In addition, the units are loaded with e-mail, Microsoft Word and Excel programs, as well as Blue Tooth technology.

Neal Williams, managing director of Priority Freight, said: "It really does save us time and money. The main benefit is being able to see the progress live.

“If there is a problem for any reason, or if the goods are going to be delivered early, we can keep our customers informed of the time they can expect them.

"We are able to offer a value-added service and it will certainly give us the edge over our competitors."

Mr Groombridge says the system is not only suitable for transport firms, it can be used for a wide range of applications where data needs to be collected and transmitted.

"It could be used for anything from housing maintenance to holes in the road, or health and safety audits," he said.

"The units are small, easy to carry, and easy to operate. They are time-saving, and mean drivers, or whoever is using them, will be less stressed."