RQRA 8th Edition

Truck tyre magazine

Case Study: Retreading and Tubeless Tyres

Making the switch to tubeless and embracing retreading improves performance

Issue 8 february 2013

real QUESTIONS real ANSWERS Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE P.O. BOX 16813, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai UAE www.bridgestone-mea • www.bsolution-mea.com

10

14 Truck Tyre magazine

CONTENTS B Solution

Case sTudy: reTreadINg aNd Tubeless Tyres

4

Bridgestone has the answers to your tyre problems

making the switch to tubeless and embracing retreading improves performance Issue 8 february 2013

real QuesTIONs real aNsWers Bridgestone middle east & africa Fze P.O. BOX 16813, Jebel ali Free zone, Dubai uae www.bridgestone-mea • www.bsolution-mea.com

real QUESTIONS real ANSWERS Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE P.O. Box 16813, Jebel Ali Free Zone Dubai, UAE For correspondence with this publication please write to us through our postal address or by email to realanswers@bridgestone.ae An electronic version of this publication is available at www.bridgestone-mea.com and www.bsolution-mea.com

Case Study: BTTC Service Solution

6

The Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre

Case Study: Retreading and Tubeless Tyre Solution

10

Making the switch to tubeless and embracing retreading improves performance

Case Study: FIP Solution

16

How a Fleet Inspection Person helps a company stay on the road

Bridgestone 3M Program Nicholas Publishing International FZ-LLC

P.O. Box 500573, Office 704 Executive Heights, Dubai, UAE Tel: +9714 4243600 Fax: +9714 4327505 For editorial enquiries, contact Rob Nicholas, Publisher rob.nicholas@npimedia.com Tel: +9714 4243600

2

FEBRUARY 2013 real QUESTIONS real ANSWERS

• Advanced Tyre MONITORING Program • Premium Tyre MAINTENANCE Program • Elite Total Tyre MANAGEMENT Program

20

16

6

20

FOREWORD As the world’s leading manufacturer of tyres, Bridgestone is not only confident of supplying the finest products but also the best service and advice for our customers.

Real Answers highlights these attributes each issue, through informative features that showcase Bridgestone’s commitment to quality and our valued customers.

This issue, we travelled to Oman and Egypt to bring you three case study examples of how Bridgestone is helping fleet managers to Monitor, Maintain, and Manage their tyres across the Middle East – saving money and improving safety.

Those 3Ms form the basis of our powerful Toolbox software, which gives customers detailed insight into their tyre usage, shows where problems can occur and provides solutions to maximize the life of your Bridgestone tyres. Please see our feature on page 20.

Our travels take us to Oman to see how the Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre (BTTC) can help service fleets in often difficult logistical conditions. In Egypt, we find out how a Bridgestone Fleet Inspection Person (FIP) fits in and assists an in-house tyre management team, while another example shows how retreading and switching to tubeless tyres has helped a fleet increase efficiency.

If you have any questions that you would like to be answered, we are always prepared and happy to help.

Simply drop us an email to realanswers@bridgestone.ae

Matsuyama Kenji General Manager – Commercial Tyre Marketing & Training.

Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE real QUESTIONS real ANSWERS FEBRUARY 2013

3

B-Solution Economy

www.bsolution-mea.com

Safety Ecology

On the road to sucess with B-Solution 2

november 2011 real questions real answers

B your best with Bridgestone Safety, economy and ecology form the basis of B-Solution for fleet operators

Partnership with Bridgestone goes beyond just tyre sales. Fuel, tyres and spare parts are the major contributors to a fleet’s operating expense. With B-Solution, we continuously strive to bring to our customers the best products and a comprehensive range of professional solutions and tools. B-Solution helps to reduce our customers’ operating costs, increase their operating efficiency and enhance safety.

There are six main areas where B-Solution can help your business: IT Solution We provide your fleet with IT solutions such as TYRE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE that will track your tyres from cradle to grave; or an IT Solution that checks the HEALTH of your tyres and provides various useful reports.

Equipment Solution We can provide your fleet with professional solutions for TYRE SERVICE ON SITE. Price Solution From cradle to grave, we will provide solutions to reduce your TOTAL TYRE OPERATING COST. Network Solution Providing you with a comprehensive range of professional tyre services with our BRIDGESTONE TRUCK TYRE CENTRE (BTTC), BRIDGESTONE FLEET POINTS (BFP) and MOBILE TRUCK TYRE SERVICE vans.

Information Solution In order to continuously enhance your tyre operations, and update you with information on the trucking industry, we provide you with REAL ANSWERS MAGAZINE and various TRAINING PROGRAMS related to tyres.

Product Solution With BRIDGESTONE and BANDAG retreads, our comprehensive line-up of truck and bus tyres are tailored to suit every commercial-use application.

www.bsolution-mea.com

BRIDGESTONE

6

february 2013 real questions real answers

| bttc

BRIDGESTONE

| bttc

Keeping fleets moving Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centres provide expert advice and superior service to help customers, such as MB Petroleum Services in Oman, stay on the road The Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre (BTTC) offers superior service and quality products for fleets.

Located across the Middle East, these centres of tyre excellence offer advice and support to fleets, both large and small. Whether it’s just a required change of tyres or a full management of a fleet’s tyre requirements, the BTTC can provide the best solution.

As part of B Solution, the BTTC can , Monitor, Maintain or Manage your tyres, helping to reduce costs and improve safety.

MB Petroleum Services in Oman is a good example of a company using the BTTC services to help maintain a large fleet.

Formed 32 years ago, MB Petroleum Services look after the Drilling and production services. They have subsidiaries outside of Oman in Australia, Germany, China and Indonesia, and also have a presence in India.

real questions real answers february 2013

7

BRIDGESTONE

Tojomon Joseph, Logistics Manager of MB Petroleum Services, is faced with having to manage a large fleet, spread across a wide geographical area and tough terrain.

On top of that, he has limited manpower to maintain and monitor his fleet’s tyres.

“Our trucks are mainly based in north and south of Oman and we have around 1,000 vehicles – which includes Pickups, Forklifts, Oilfield trucks, Wireline trucks and Cranes,” says Tojo.

Part of that large portfolio includes some 120 trucks, from the likes of Man, Volvo and Kenworth. When you consider that the firm has two main workshops, each staffed by the minimum, it is clear that MBPS needs support, which is why they turned to Bridgestone and the BTTC. “At first, we didn’t have too much fleet, but as we have developed and expanded, we have had to spread the work,” explains Tojo.

“Reducing breakdowns is crucial and due to our level of resource, in terms of manpower for tyre maintenance, we have supplemented our own ability to cope by using the Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centres.

“With BTTC we have better control of our tyres. Financially, we do not need to keep tyre stock. We get day-to-day updates and also receive a monthly report so we can monitor the tyre situation.

In addition, retreading (BANDAG) helps us reduce our costs.”

8

february 2013 real questions real answers

| bttc

BRIDGESTONE

| bttc

Towell Auto Centre channels network in Oman TAC has one main BTTC in Muscat and several Fleet Points (smallerscale of BTTC) in main cities in Oman (including Nizwa, Fahud, Salalah, Duqm, Nimr), and recently added one Assist mobile truck to provide breakdown services, on-site. There is also a Bandag retread factory.

Through these key initiatives, TAC becomes closer to truck customers everywhere in Oman, helping them to optimise their operating expenses by ensuring the best tyre maintenance service, providing expert advice in selection and maintaining truck tyres through professional staff. These staff perform professional tyre services, ensure proper collection of casings for the retreading process, and balancing services using advanced machinery and tools.

Retreading is one area where customers can make significant savings, but it is crucial that expert advice is given to maximize the potential for retreading by ensuring the casings are at their best “pull point” – the time in which they are removed from the vehicle. The BTTC technicians can advise fleet managers on this, as well as other factors that can help to reduce costs and increase safety – from proper inflation to switching to tubeless tyres.

“The turnaround time for tyre repairs had drastically improved by using BTTC,” says Tojo. “With more than 1,000 vehicles and only limited in-house workshop capability, Bridgestone has helped us significantly.”

By having a large fleet spread across hundreds of kilometres, often on truck roads, repairing breakdowns can be a logistical nightmare.

“We have mobile service vehicles but we do not have a mobile tyre repair van,” says Tojo. “That will definitely help us.”

Assist, another service from Bridgestone, is the perfect solution as it takes the tyre workshop and technician direct to the fleet.

This is especially good for breakdowns or if the fleet is based a long distance from the BTTC. This mobile repair and tyre service solution offers everything from new tyres and breakdown to tyre rotation and repairs.

Assist, another service from Bridgestone, is the perfect solution as it takes the tyre workshop and technician direct to the fleet. This is especially good for breakdowns or if the fleet is based a long distance from the BTTC

real questions real answers february 2013

9

BRIDGESTONE

| RETREADING AND TUBELESS TYRES

SWITCH & SAVE The benefits of retreading and swapping to tubeless tyres are explained by Kamal Khalaf, Head of the Transport Sector at ASW in Egypt

WHAT IS AFRICA FOR SILOS AND WAREHOUSING (ASW)?

ASW is a trading company that imports corn and maize while exporting fertilisers. We have our own fleet for the transportation of goods all over Egypt.

WHEN WAS THE BUSINESS FORMED? The transportation company was established 10 years ago with five vehicles.

Currently we are operating with 81 Renault and Sino trucks and we have plans to increase the fleet up to 200 vehicles in the near future.

HOW MANY STAFF ARE SERVING AND MAINTAINING THIS FLEET? We have our own workshops doing all required maintenance and repairs for our fleets, operated by around 78 staff including electricians, mechanics and technicians. The tyre workshop is operated by seven tyre technicians.

10

FEBRUARY 2013 real QUESTIONS real ANSWERS

BRIDGESTONE

| RETREADING and Tubeless Tyres

real questions real answers february 2013

11

BRIDGESTONE

How are you helping to reduce tyre costs for this size of fleet?

Our main actions to reduce the operating cost of our vehicles in general is through proper maintenance – that’s why we rely on our own staff and our own workshops. When it comes to tyres, our dedicated workshop is operating 24 hours a day to ensure the proper maintenance at any time the truck enters our park. Thanks to Bridgestone’s experts, who gave us guidance and advice, we managed to sharply reduce our tyre costs by two key actions – the use of Bandag retread tyres and shifting our tyre size from tube type 1200R20 to tubeless size 315/80R22.5.

Before trying retreading, did you have any concerns about it?

Yes, a lot of doubts as I had no experience of the retreading process and I couldn’t imagine how you could stick new tread on worn-out casings successfully. On top of that, I didn’t know who were the best retreaders and if you could get a warranty on a retread tyre. I had also heard some negative comments in the market about retreading.

12

february 2013 real questions real answers

| RETREADING and Tubeless Tyres

We realised that most of the retread tyres did achieve the target life and some of them exceeded the 80 percent target.

This has a significant impact on our operating costs as we managed to double our fleet with the same tyre budget

BRIDGESTONE

| RETREADING and Tubeless Tyres

How did the Bridgestone team help address those doubts and convince you to try retreading?

The Bridgestone experts took us to visit the retread factory so we could see and understand the process. They also explained that they have a good warranty policy and that the life of retread tyres can reach up to 80 percent of a new tyre’s life, but with very low costs compared with buying a new tyre. Based on that, I asked to start on a small scale so we could monitor and assess the retread tyres, before making a final commitment.

After this monitoring, what was your experience with Bandag tyres?

We realised that most of the retread tyres did achieve the target life and some of them exceeded the 80 percent target.

This had a significant impact on our operating costs as we managed to double our fleet with the same tyre budget.

Which axles do you fit with retread tyres and why?

I prefer to use retread tyres on the trailer axles beside the rotated new tyres from tractor head axles as it is the severest position on the vehicle, especially during sharp cornering and the possibility of getting casing from new tyres on the front and drive axles is high.

How are you saving casings for retreading?

Our tyre technicians maintain and check tyre conditions on a weekly basis with Bridgestone team support. This helps to extend tyre life and minimise irregular wear, hence saving more casings for retreading. Also, we are training our drivers to avoid sharp cornering and have practiced safe driving habits – which also helps keep our trucks and tyres in the best possible condition.

How do you manage the removal time for retreading?

The Bridgestone team did lot of studies and follow-up on our operating conditions and the reasons for removing tyres from service.

Then they decide the pull point level of our tyres [the remaining tread depth when the tyre should be removed from service for retreading]. Finally they conducted on-site training for our technicians to be able to judge the proper casings and correct timing for removing tyres for retreading.

real questions real answers february 2013

13

BRIDGESTONE

Going tubeless Another major move you made was shifting from 1200R20 to 315/80R22.5.

Why did you decide to use this size?

We made this decision due to the benefits of the tubeless tyres, mainly in the stability and safer operation, especially in the eventuality of punctures as tubeless tyres leak air at a much slower rate than tube type. This decreases the risk of having running flat tyres or a blowout.

The pattern line up of 315/80R22.5 is wider than 1200R20 which helped us to choose the best pattern for each axle for more economical tyre operation.

How did you manage changing the rims for the entire fleet to the new size?

As per our agreement with the Bridgestone distributor, we made a plan of six phases.

During each phase we targeted a certain number of trucks to replace the tractor head axles first with the tubeless tyres and rims then in the next phase we replaced the trailer axles. I remember in the first phase our tyre order was 20 percent from 315/80R22.5, and now we are in the last phase our order is 80 percent tubeless.

By March 2013, all of our fleet will be equipment with tubeless tyres.

14

february 2013 real questions real answers

| RETREADING and Tubeless Tyres

BRIDGESTONE

Are tubeless tyres easier to fit and repair?

Indeed it is much easier, with less time required for the fitting and repairing of tubeless tyres. Thanks to the training and necessary tools provided from Bridgestone reps to our tyre technicians, they can now perform proper tyre repair and fitment with tubeless.

| RETREADING and Tubeless Tyres

During each phase we targeted a certain number of trucks to replace the tractor head axles first with the tubeless tyres and rims then in the next phase we replaced the trailer axles

What are the cost savings in switching to tubeless?

As a company, we usually settle our operating income against the expenses on monthly basis, so we started noticing the saving when we saw the composition of our monthly tyre need (which is about 70 tyres).

At first it was 100 percent new tyres, then this composition started to change after using retread, and any reduction in new tyres will reflect savings because retread tyres are cheaper.

What are your drivers’ feelings towards the size?

When tractor head tyres were changed to tubeless, the drivers appreciated its stability, but when we started shifting trailer axle tyres, drivers didn’t feel performance issues of trailer axle tyres (because they don’t directly control them, not like steering tyres). However, the drivers shared the technicians’ same admiration of the reduced down time, especially during mounting and dismounting.

real questions real answers february 2013

15

BRIDGESTONE

| expert advice

Expert advice Mamdouh Shehab, Department of transportation manager at Road Master, describes how he worked with the Bridgestone Fleet Inspection Person (FIP)

16

february 2013 real questions real answers

BRIDGESTONE

| EXPERT ADVICE

PLEASE INTRODUCE US TO ROAD MASTER. Road Master is a transportation company founded in 1997 and we specialise in liquid transportation like gasoline, oil and oil derivatives.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE TYRES TO ROAD MASTER? Tyres are a very important part in any fleet.

For Road Master, tyres account for almost 25 percent of transportation costs. Therefore any neglect in this matter would cause a huge increase in total expenses.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT FIP IS? FIP stands for Fleet Inspection Person.

This person specializes in tyres and can help fleets to prolong the life of their tyres and therefore save money.

WHAT WAS THE SITUATION BEFORE YOU HAD A FIP? I only had a limited time for tyre management. Also, our workforce knowledge regarding some tyre issues was not good enough. Tyre data was stored manually but some data was missing, and there was no daily tyre maintenance procedure. As for retreading, in the past it accounted for just 10 percent of monthly consumption.

HOW DID THE FIP HELP YOU TO FACE THESE CHALLENGES? He conducted education lessons for the tyre team. Tyre data was also sorted electronically and all relative data was properly recorded. Hence, a daily tyre maintenance procedure was developed.

HOW HAS THE SITUATION CHANGED? The tyre worker knows what he is doing and can handle tyres properly. Tyre data and relative details are available any time in a systematic manner and retreading was increased to 18 percent. This also made the discussion-making process more efficient.

real QUESTIONS real ANSWERS FEBRUARY 2013

17

BRIDGESTONE

| EXPERT ADVICE

FOR FIP TO BEST FULFILL HIS JOB HE SHOULD HAVE A CERTAIN LEVEL OF AUTHORITY. HOW DID YOU MANAGE THIS? First of all, after appointing the FIP in our premises he was the only one with the authorised signature for any action relating to tyres. He was also guiding the other tyre workers on in-field decisions.

He was reporting directly to me but I can say that I take any decision about tyres only after FIP opinion.

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE REPORTS FROM FIP? I think that the reports made by the FIP were good enough to help taking any decision regarding tyres. Thanks to those reports, our proper I/P % were increased form 32 percent to 87 percent, which means a 55 percent increment in six months.

WHAT DO YOU THINK STILL NEEDS IMPROVEMENT IN THE SYSTEM, IN TERMS OF THE FIP, SOFTWARE, TYRE WORKERS AND DRIVERS? Some training will be needed for tyre workers and drivers about tyre safety. We also need to hire more tyre workers at Road Master, and also require more tools such as mounting and dismounting machines.

FOR THE FUTURE, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST FORM OF COOPERATION BETWEEN ROAD MASTER AND BRIDGESTONE? We have been testing the FIP activity and effectiveness and we would like to extend his stay with us to benefit from his expertise and knowledge. Now there are ongoing discussions with Bridgestone to achieve a form of contract.

18

FEBRUARY 2013 real QUESTIONS real ANSWERS

BRIDGESTONE

| expert advice

Mo’men Abdel Fattah is the Bridgestone FIP working with Road Master What does your job entail?

My job involves so many things related to tyres. One thing is tyre life tracking, from the moment it arrives in the warehouse through its entire tyre life, then second life after retreading. I also handle periodical reports concerning running tyre situations and out-ofservice tyre situations. I also look after tyre maintenance on a periodic basis and tyre labour training.

How long have you been a FIP and what were you doing before that?

I have been a FIP for 6 months now.

Before that I was a service van supervisor.

How did you learn to become a FIP? Did you have to undergo any special training?

When I first heard the term ‘FIP’ I did not know what it was! After undergoing some training concerning the FIP concept and the work involved, I came to understand the importance of a FIP. How important is your job in terms of safety and saving money for Road Master?

By maintaining tyres on a regular basis, tyre safety will be increased. The idea about saving money comes from proper removal for new tyres as well as proper usage and maintenance – in order to get a casing suitable for retread.

How much money can a fleet save with a FIP? Savings will vary from one fleet to the other depending on maintenance levels.

However, in Road Master we can save up to 40 percent when proper tyre maintenance is applied.

What were the main changes that you made to Road Master's way of working with tyres?

We now check on outer and inner tyres on a regular basis. Tyre maintenance is also done at the right time.

How did you fit in with the existing team at Road Master?

At first I built up personal relationships with them and a good understanding so that when we faced some situations we would discuss them to handle the situation properly.

What was the biggest challenge when you first started at Road Master?

Fitting in with the team was one of the biggest challenges and the most important one in my opinion.

What is the best thing about working as a FIP? I think contributing towards savings for the company is the best thing, so my importance is recognised.

real questions real answers february 2013

19

BRIDGESTONE | 3M

program

A helping hand Bridgestone 3M Program designed to help fleet managers Monitor, Maintain and Manage their tyres MONITOR Monitor is the advanced tyre monitoring program that covers fleet maintenance. This is ideally suited to fleets that have their own service team in charge of maintenance but need help to optimise efficiency.

By subscribing to this service, Bridgestone tyre professionals will visit your fleet on a regular basis and inspect your tyres in service, as well as your old scrapped tyres. The data collected is then recorded on Bridgestone’s own Toolbox software to provide analysis and reports. The results are presented after each inspection in clear, easy-to-understand reports.

This provides invaluable insight into your tyre maintenance and performance, with Bridgestone able to help you better maintain your fleet.

20

february 2013 real questions real answers

A Bridgestone tyre expert will visit your site for the in-service tyre inspection, where he will check tyre pressures, tread depth, as well as the matching and condition of the tyres. He will also inspect your removed tyres to understand why they have been taken out of service, and try to recommend how to make them last longer. Over time, the data collected in these regular visits is incorporated into the powerful Toolbox software to provide insight into your tyre maintenance, and highlight areas where costs can be reduced and safety improved.

Tyres are a major component of operating costs for fleets. By assessing the condition of your tyres, both on and off vehicles, Bridgestone can work with your own team to maximize your tyre usage, improve your fuel efficiency and optimise your fleet safety.

BRIDGESTONE | 3M

program

A Bridgestone tyre expert will watch your operation's health improve and help you in maintaining your fleet better

real questions real answers february 2013

21

BRIDGESTONE | 3M

MAINTAIN The second level of the Bridgestone 3M Program offers all the benefits of Monitor plus much more. The premium tyre maintenance program from Bridgestone takes care of all of your tyre requirements – including supply and retread.

Bridgestone’s team of highly trained technicians handle every aspect of maintenance so you can concentrate on the core business.

Maintenance is effectively outsourced to Bridgestone, but fleet managers remain in total control, with regular reports allowing you to make the decisions and monitor our performance.

These monthly, custom-made reports offer transparency and a complete overview of your tyre maintenance requirements from the convenience of our online Toolbox software.

There are many benefits of the Maintain program for fleet managers, with outsourcing meaning there is a reduced head count and associated overheads, plus you have extra time to focus on the core business.

As well as all of the checks and reports provided in the Monitor program, Maintain also includes essential service work such as tyre changing, tyre rotation, wheel alignment, balancing, and tyre repair.

22

february 2013 real questions real answers

program

BRIDGESTONE | 3M

program

Complete visibility on your tyres Interactive board Explore YOUR data and get the answers you seek to improve your operation.

User friendly interface Minimum training required.

Just open your web browser!

Comprehensive data We tracked your tyres individually from cradle to grave. See it all in one location.

Measurable Efficiencies We review your fleet and business goals and establish Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) that ensure your success.

Data collected in Web Toolbox is Incorporated into the powerful analytical Software to provide insight into your Monthly expense, tyre maintenance, performance and much more‌.

MANAGE Manage is the elite total tyre management program from Bridgestone, offering fleet managers the ultimate in outsourced expertise and state-of-the-art reporting.

As part of Bridgestone’s Total Tyre Management package, fleet managers can completely outsource their tyre requirements and gain visibility on their tyre maintenance and performance through the dedicated online Toolbox portal.

Toolbox offers an interactive dashboard that enables you to explore and examine your data so you can make informed decisions on your fleet. The user-friendly interface means it is simple and easy to understand, from cradle-to-grave analysis of tyres to established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

At a glance, fleet managers can access vital information and keep track of monthly expenses, pressure maintenance, removal causes, retreadability, tyre life, cost per kilometer, inventory control, results against KPI, and much more.

Manage enables you to run your fleet more efficiently today for a stronger bottom line tomorrow.

For more information on any of the 3M programs, or to find out more about the proprietary Toolbox software, please contact your local Bridgestone representative.

real questions real answers february 2013

23