The Hireman and KDM implement Spartan’s Phalanx solution

UK rental company The Hireman has implemented Spartan Solutions’ paperless workflow system Phalanx, reducing the workload on hire desk staff and enabling them to focus on higher-value work.

Phalanx automatically verifies deliveries and collections of equipment, matching what went out with what came back, without the need for manual checking.

In practice, the company found that 60% to 75% of orders confirmed automatically, without human intervention, allowing hire desk staff to focus on cases where there is no match, and on responding more quickly to customer enquiries.

The Hireman’s depot in Rochetster, Kent, UK. (Image: The Hireman)

“Our hire desks are now doing less high-volume, mundane work”, said Neil Graham, managing director, The Hireman.

“They’re focused on the high-value work that they’re uniquely qualified to do, which makes us a better partner for our customers.

“And because the work is more enjoyable, our teams are happier and less stressed.”

Phalanx works in two stages. When a driver delivers or collects equipment, photos and confirmations are captured on a mobile device.

When equipment returns to the depot, it is verified again. If both stages match the original order, with no damage and no missing items, the system confirms the order automatically.

The hire desk only sees exceptions - orders that don’t match, items flagged as damaged, missing equipment, or situations that require human judgement.

The Hireman operates four depots in the south east of the UK.

KDM Hire contract

Meanwhile, Glasgow, UK-based Spartan Solutions has also won a contract with KDM Hire, the family-owned rental business in Ireland.

KDM is using Phalanx to manage transport planning, deliveries, exchanges, site moves and collections. The software connects drivers, transport planners, hire desk staff and yard teams, ensuring everyone works from the same information, and it operates even where connectivity is patchy.

The system integrates with KDM Hire’s existing rental software – Syrinx from Point of Rental - and automatically syncs captured information when connectivity returns. The mobile app captures photos, damages, missing items, and customer signatures offline.

Conor McDermott, IT project manager at KDM Hire, said; “Our hire operation relies on capturing and sharing accurate, timely information from deliveries and collections. We needed a robust offline capability so drivers could complete jobs without worrying about the mobile signal. Phalanx has delivered exactly that.

“We’ve eliminated the multiple reconciliations our transport team had to perform throughout the day. The process is simpler, and drivers can focus on completing jobs. That’s delivered significant time savings for both transport planners and drivers.”

Jim Green, CEO of Spartan Solutions, said; “Deliveries and collections depend on reliable data capture, especially when drivers are working in rural areas with poor connectivity. Phalanx is built to work without mobile signal, so critical job information is never lost.

“Phalanx flexes to how each rental company operates. For KDM Hire, that means handling exchanges and site moves alongside deliveries and collections. As KDM expands Phalanx into yard operations and workshop management, the same flexible approach will digitise their entire rental cycle.”