News Archive
2007
Alan Guthrie, EHN Editor, reports on insphire's view of the software market.
IRN Editor Murray Pollok talks to inspHire MD Chris Branson '10 Years in'
inspHire extend IPAF member discount
inspHire's international presence is Elev8ted in Australia
2006
Hydrex take inspHire on board
Duffy and Mcgovern, specialist accommodation company choose inspHire rental management system
inspHire announces its partnership with International Powered Access Federation
Haulotte selects inspHire for UK Platforms
2005
inspHire and Sage Partnership
A leading supplier of software solutions to the rental and asset management industries Since its establishment in 1997, inspHire has become the leading supplier of Windows software solutions to the rental and asset management industries.
Our specifically-designed systems have been created to take everyday requirements into account and our ‘customer first approach’ has ensured that inspHire’s products have a worldwide presence.
In fact, inspHire’s systems are used by over 450 companies in over 9 countries including the UK, Holland and Australia, and in markets ranging from tool and plant hire to access equipment and event hire.
Sage has played an integral part in this success and will continue to be part of inspHire’s development strategy.
inspHire’s software is aimed at hire companies of all sizes and is designed to be scaleable so that as a business grows, the programs can expand with it. The range includes Express and Office editions for start-up and medium-sized companies, and progresses onto Business and Corporate editions for larger and multi-national corporations.
inspHire have been a Sage Developer for seven years and have worked with many Sage Partners to complete some extremely successful implementations.
The products
inspHire Express is a relatively new product designed specifically for the single user rental market, created as a result of extensive research within the rental industry. It is a comprehensive rental system that offers a high standard of software at a low cost of investment, creating a more efficient way to run a small business. It is simple to install, easy to use and integrates seamlessly with Sage Line 50.
Office edition for small to medium-sized companies also integrates seamlessly into Sage Line 50 and other Sage applications. It is comprehensive and sophisticated yet simple and easy to use, bringing the benefits of multiple on and off hire capability, integrated stock and purchase order processing, plus stock and availability quick view that immediately shows the whole picture.
How the integration works
inspHire reads real time information from Sage software, eliminating the need for duplication of data. This enables the user to see both customer and supplier information, such as current balance, "on stop" customers, and customers who are over their credit limit.
inspHire generates sales invoices and posts them directly to the sales ledger. Supplier invoices are entered using the integrated inspHire POP module and posted to the purchase ledger and in both cases, the nominal ledger is updated automatically.
Sage Partner discounts
inspHire is offering up to 25% commission on software sales of their rental package to Sage Partners. Backed up by dynamic management, development and support teams, inspHire can take you and your client through the demonstration and sales process, working either at the client’s site or at inspHire’s own presentation and training suite (where we have the facilities to set up seminars should you have more than one interested client).
Ends. September 2005
inspHire launch major new technology drive on theft in the hire industry
It is estimated that last year in the UK alone more than £1.2Million worth of equipment was stolen each week. Add to this fact that less than 10% of missing equipment is ever recovered and you can begin to understand the extent of the problem facing the hire industry.
As a pioneering and market leading provider of asset management software to the European Rental market, inspHire have partnered with the leading rental asset tracking company GloMoCo (Global Monitoring Company) to implement the latest GPS and GSM tracking technology into our well established software solutions.
inspHire recognises the importance of risk management, theft prevention and equipment recovery in the rental industry and have essentially created an all-inclusive and centrally managed hire station.
This exclusive system incorporates features such as real-time equipment location monitoring, tamper alerts, Geo-fence security and remote immobilisation. Furthermore, our system provides valuable diagnostic information such as engine run hours, utilisation analysis and service reports.
Experts such as insurance companies and TER (The National Plant and Equipment Register) strongly advise that simply relying on the police to recover assets is not sufficient, and that equipment owners need to take steps to ensure that as a hire company theft is addressed and prevented.
Manufacturers such as JCB and Kubota are now also taking the initiative and responsibility by incorporating tracking devices into their machines at the production stage as standard fixtures. This clearly highlights the necessity to fully explore and utilise this technology.
We have already received a positive response from the rental market and are confident that our development of this product will prove a success in assisting the combat against equipment crime.
Our new partnership with Glomoco will be officially launched at our ‘Plant Equipment Protection Seminar’ to be held at the JCB world headquarters on Tuesday 24th May. The seminar will unite professionals from authorities including TER, Glomoco, leading manufacturers and insurance agencies along with hire companies to discuss this serious issue and provide an insight into the security measures and technology that is now available.
Ends. May 2005
inspHire Express Launch
inspHire has just launched inspHire Express, a new product for single users in the rental and asset management markets.
The product, officially launched at the 2005 Hire Show is a result of extensive research within the rental industry. inspHire identified significant demand for a product designed specifically for the single user market. As a result inspHire Express has been added to the company's well established windows-based software range.
Dedicated to meeting the needs of a single user site, inspHire Express is a comprehensive rental system that is simple to install, easy to use and plugs into existing Microsoft and Sage systems.
To make life even easier an interactive training video is included to guide the user through an effortless transformation from paper-based systems to a computerised one.
The single site user can now benefit from Microsoft technology at a fraction of the cost. For growing businesses, inspHire has formulated an upgrade path to their market-leading Office Edition, Business Editon and Corporate Edition packages.
inspHire Express received a first-class response and numerous orders at the 205 Hire Show and is expected to continue with its success throughout 2005. As part of inspHire’s commitment to successful business solutions, the rental industry will see several new products introduced later this year.
Ends. March 2005
ASYST International becomes “inspHired”
ASYST International SA today announced that it has become the exclusive distributor in Southern Africa for UK-based inspHire, the market leader in the plant hire and equipment leasing software business.
“We are excited about bringing one of Europe’s leading hire software packages to South Africa. We look forward to using inspHire to meet our current and future clients needs and help to increase their profitability and efficiency,” commented Charmaine Gaunt, Product Manager of ASYST International.
“ASYST has been in this market with Access Accounts for over 7 years and had identified locally the need for a product catering for tracking rentals and asset management.” continued Gaunt. “inspHire was the only software identified that is specialised, stable and well supported. An additional advantage of inspHire is that it caters for companies of all sizes, from a single user to a large multi-user business.” “We already have a presence in several countries across the world and needed a strong partner if we were to establish a presence in Southern Africa,” added Pat Hayes, Sales Director of inspHire. “ASYST provides us with such an opportunity. They are extremely professional and successful; I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with them over the coming months and years.”
The inspHire integrated product set includes modules for Hire and Sales Management, Asset Management, Stock Control, Service and Maintenance, Scaffolding and Bulk, Transport and Logistics, Geographical Analysis, CRM, Contract/Job Costing, Bill of Materials, eBusiness, Invoicing, among others
Ends. March 2005
2004
Another Great Year
inspHire has had another great year in 2004 off the back of a confident and developing international hire industry.
This year has been one of reaching major milestones in the market. Our international client base has now exceeded 450 rental organisations operating in over 9 countries. Our business model is now in operation in 4 countries with a major announcement due in the New Year for expansion into another major rental market. Our investment in our customers and products is in line with our projection of investing over £3 million over a 5 year strategy.
inspHire is now recognised as one of the major contributors of Hire technology across the globe. Our reputation was cemented this August by being the only Hire Software vendor to be certified under the ‘Microsoft Partner Network’ as Hire specialist in Europe. This is a great achievement for inspHire and underlines our commitment to delivering the best technology to our customers.
2005 holds further opportunities as we see the industry continue to embrace technology and consider there technology position in what is regarded as a market that has been experiencing growth for the past 5 years. Expectations are the growth will continue at an expected level for the next 3-5 years. Our strategy at inspHire is to continue to deliver high quality solutions and new innovations. This year we will be announcing some major new developments and products to the market such as a comprehensive introduction of solution that addresses the needs of hire businesses with managing, monitoring and controlling their ‘Transport & Logistics’ needs.
Ends. December 2004
2003
BOELS Chooses inspHire After Worldwide Search
After four years researching the market in Europe, USA, Japan and Australia, Pierre Boels BV has chosen to install a 600 user inspHire I.T. system. Boels is the largest rental organisation in continental Europe with 72 depots and a rental desk in 300 Praxis DIY stores.
Having had its own I.T. system for 18 years, the company had taken over four years finding its replacement. When it came to finding a suitable replacement, the major problem was that Boels is a fast-growing, dynamic and cross-border company that needs an I.T. system not only to cope with these factors but also to handle all the different aspects of the business: plant, tools, event, catering and more. The company began speaking to inspHire two years ago. inspHire demonstrated that its software could not only cope with Boels' stated requirements, but could also develop unique features solely for Boels and its specific needs. For example, the system must not only be multi-lingual but also must be able to switch between languages in a single transaction. This facility is crucial when, for example, a Dutch company serves a German customer who has crossed the border to hire equipment: the user would wish to search the system in Dutch, then print an order in German. The inspHire system could deal with this demand, as it could with many other similar issues.
Boels spent 18 months evaluating the inspHire product, testing it against every single aspect of its business. The company also put it out as a pilot to three depots for 12 months. Piet Donners, Chief Financial Officer, Pierre Boels BV, commented:
"We spent a great deal of time researching the market for a new system. It was evident from the first time that we saw inspHire that they had an excellent product for the market. We spent considerable time evaluating and piloting inspHire and I am confident we have made a very good business decision."
inspHire worked with its new European partner, inspHire International, which offered considerable support and expertise during the extended evaluation, piloting and product development period.
Ends. December 2003
Odds-On For a great Day Out
inspHire, the leading supplier of Windows software to the hire, rental and asset management industries, has invited 200 customers and potential customers to its first ever Customer Day.
The event will be held at Stratford on Avon Racecourse on Tuesday 7 October 2003. Those attending will not only be able to listen to guest speakers addressing varying aspects of the hire and rental industry, but will also be able to participate in interactive workshops where they can discover the latest developments in I.T. for the hire and rental industry.
Following a buffet lunch, there is horse racing all afternoon for guests to enjoy while they enjoy a drink and mingle with colleagues. Andy Beal, MD of inspHire, comments:
"This is a new venture for us but has been a very popular idea. In an informal setting, we hope to ensure customers are fully aware of everything inspHire has to offer - and it's a great opportunity to put some faces to names and voices we only hear over the phone. Stratford Racecourse is the ideal place to do it: a picturesque and accessible spot where guests can just enjoy the races and the atmosphere or try their luck with the bookies. All the inspHire staff are looking forward to the event."
Ends. July 2003
inspHire Forges Ahead with European Agent
inspHire Limited, the leading supplier of Windows software to the hire, rental and asset management industries, has further demonstrated its commitment to taking its product to the emerging European rental markets by appointing an agent for Benelux.
The company was on the lookout for a European partner, having identified the huge growth potential on the continent. Marcel Fuhres, based in Rotterdam, is heading up inspHire International and, although it is only a matter of weeks since starting his work for inspHire, he is already in serious talks with a dozen hire companies in the Benelux countries.
inspHire's Managing Director, Andy Beal, commented: "There are very few specialist hire and rental software companies operating in continental Europe. Many hire companies are using old or inappropriate systems, so the response we've had to our purely rental-focused software has been very enthusiastic. We've been spreading the word through seminars in the Netherlands, exhibitions like Rentex, promotions on internet portal www.verhuurnet.nl, and now through inspHire International."
Ends.June 2003
inspHire Appoints Microsoft Specialist
inspHire Limited, the leading supplier of Windows software to the hire, rental and asset management industries, has made a further addition to its growing team. Richard Markham joins the company as a Great Plains Consultant, bringing with him great expertise in Microsoft Great Plains, which inspHire uses in its specialist software.
Having worked in this highly specialised field for five years, Richard wanted to move to a company willing to explore Great Plains' full potential within an overall I.T. solution package. He comments:
"inspHire is a market-leader, full of ideas and always willing to look at new ones. I hope I can bring some fresh thinking to the way Great Plains is applied, which will ultimately be of great benefit to inspHire's customers."
Andy Beal, Managing Director of inspHire, adds: "We're looking forward to the additional knowledge, experience and ideas Richard will bring to the company. Coming from a non-hire background, he will be able to provide a new approach to the use of Great Plains in our software, as well as ensuring that customers and staff always have an expert to turn to for advice. He will be a positive influence on the team as we continue to expand - and I'm sure he will also quickly expand his own bank of knowledge by working with inspHire, a technology-driven company committed to finding innovative solutions."
Ends. June 2003
The Platform Company Hands I.T. Contract To inspHire
Following its MBO from the Mitie Group in March 2002, newly-formed The Platform Company wanted to cut its dependence on the Mitie Group's I.T. systems so it began researching the market for a new supplier. Following more than six months studying the market, the company has chosen insphire Ltd, the leading supplier of Windows software to the hire, rental and asset management industries.
In choosing a new I.T. system, The Platform Company had a number of stipulations: the system had to use the very latest technology; it had to be stable and reliable; and the system had to be backed up by a credible company who would look after all I.T. issues to save The Platform Company's own personnel from spending their valuable time dealing with I.T. issues.
InspHire Ltd has happily taken on the project, worth around £100,000. It is installing a 25 user system across 6 locations in the UK and is managing email connectivity, hosting the servers and controlling the facilities management service. It also took the opportunity to review all The Platform Company's communications and made proposals to considerably reduce costs through procedures such as installing ADSL lines, for example.
inspHire Ltd will continue to fully manage and support the infrastructure on an ongoing basis.
Ends. January 2003
2002
Morrison Consttruction Installs inspHire
Morrison Construction, the large construction company which operates both in the UK and internationally, has installed a 25 user inspHire software system. The new system integrates with Morrison's existing accounting package.
Morrison spent two years researching the market, looking for a solution that was strong on both Front and Back Office. The system would also have to be suitable for operating their internal assets - about 25,000 units - in the UK. Additionally, the company wanted to make optimum use of statistical data, covering areas such as profit and efficiency, in order to ensure it was maximising its potential.
Having done the research, Morrison chose inspHire in a deal worth more than £100,000.
InspHire's Managing Director, Andy Beal, commented:
"It is pleasing to be chosen by Morrison, especially after such a rigorous research period. The fact that our software is so adaptable makes it ideal for companies with very specific requirements, such as Morrison."
December 2002
inspHire Develops Seminar Programme To Deliver The I.T. Message
inspHire Limited, the leading supplier of Windows software to the hire, rental and asset management industries, has established a programme of seminars across the UK and into Europe in order to speak directly to companies who are interested in using I.T. to optimise their business operations.
Although each seminar will be tailored to its select audience, all are designed to look at industry pressure points and raise awareness of the role I.T. can play in maximising assets in a highly competitive market. Seminars will also look at what I.T. will be able to do in the future, and how inspHire can help businesses achieve their potential.
The first seminar is on 19 November at Manchester United FC, followed by 28 November in Aberdeen (with a particular focus on offshore rental as well as regular hire and rental companies) and Rotterdam on 2 December. More European dates will be announced soon as inspHire seeks to make this nascent market aware that there is an I.T. product already available that is tailored for the European market.
November 2002
Rebranding Clarifies inspHire Offering
inspHire Limited, the leading supplier of Windows software to the hire, rental and asset management industries, has revised and rebranded its software. Customers can now choose between three editions of the specialist software system: Office, for 1 to 20 users; Business, for upto 50 users; and Corporate, for 50 to 1,000 or more users. Previously inspHire's software was available in Standard or SQL editions.
Although all three systems are flexible and highly configurable, inspHire has developed key features relevant to each user group. Andy Beal, Managing Director of inspHire, comments: "As our customer base has expanded, there has been a growing demand for more specific software solutions. Consequently, we now have three products, each tailored to meet the needs of three separate groups of users. Each product retains all the advantages of a Windows-based system such as ease of use, flexibility and integration with existing software and new modules."
inspHire Office edition brings UK and Irish users the benefits of multiple off-hire and on-hire capability, as well as full integration with industry standard accounting systems. The system considerably reduces administration and resulting paperwork.
inspHire Business edition uses Microsoft's SQL database and comes with optional Workshop and Bill of Materials modules. It is also multi-currency and multi-lingual, enables the creation of Crystal Reports, and integrates with accounting system Microsoft Great Plains. Back-to-back order processing further streamlines stock control systems.
inspHire Corporate edition also uses Microsoft's SQL database and comes with Workshop and Bill of Materials modules as standard. Utilising Citrix Metaframe, makes it ideal for multi-branch and multinational applications. Includes many advanced features as standard, including inspHire's unique business alert system which emails key personnel when business processes or rules have been breached.
Ends. August 2002