How Lanes Group deployed over 100 digital workflows for greater safety and efficiency

"Connected Workflows has transformed how we operate. We've gone from siloed data and manual processes to a unified system that enables real-time action. That's the power of automation with purpose." Mo Dawood, Group IT Director, Lanes Group

Standout Benefits

• Consolidated 4 different systems into a single integrated platform

• 100+ digital workflows deployed across operations

• Reduced employee wellness response times to within one hour

Siloed sticking points 

As a vital part of the UK's infrastructure, Lanes Group's services impact millions of daily lives. When someone can't run their bath or flush their toilet, Lanes Group's teams are the ones ensuring these essential services are restored quickly and efficiently. But managing such critical operations across 55 depots and 4,000 employees has its challenges.

Teams were jumping between multiple applications for different tasks, from safety checks to timesheets. Health and safety data existed in silos, making it difficult to get a comprehensive view of operations and respond quickly to potential issues.

"We had multiple health and safety systems throughout the business. None of them were joined up together and we had silos of data, as well as paper-based forms," explains Mo Dawood, Group IT Director at Lanes Group. "We needed a solution that could remove the burden from our employees and allow them to focus on the tasks at hand."

Joining the dots for safety and speed

Lanes Group found their solution in Samsara Connected Workflows. The company moved from paper-based processes to digital forms and automation – consolidating four different systems into a single platform.

One of the most significant innovations was the introduction of daily wellness checks. Through digital forms, employees can quickly indicate their wellbeing status to trigger support when needed. If an employee signals they're struggling, the system automatically alerts a qualified psychologist who reaches out within the hour.

"It demonstrates to our employees that they’re not just a number – they're part of the Lanes family," says Mo Dawood. "This has a knock-on effect on driver retention. It shows loyalty from the business."

The changes went beyond safety procedures. When teams report issues with tools or equipment, automated workflows immediately notify the fleet and plant departments, ensuring rapid replacement and minimal downtime for operations.

"Something as simple as an equipment check and being able to mark 'yes, everything's okay' or 'no, there's a problem' has such a knock-on effect throughout the whole journey of the job," notes Dawood. "It gives a sense of reassurance that we want to support employees with the right tools to do their best work every day."

New opportunities for greater efficiency 

By centralising data collection and automating workflows, Lanes Group has also gained unprecedented visibility into operations. The company can now analyse job types, time on site, and travel patterns to identify further process improvements.

Namely, digital timesheets integrated with vehicle tracking have streamlined payroll processes while providing valuable insights. "We're looking at certain job types and asking: are we having some drivers doing excess travel? Does that mean we need to open a depot in a different area? Are we allocating the wrong jobs to the wrong teams?" explains Mo Dawood.

The Samsara platform's flexibility allows rapid deployment of new workflows based on employee feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. In just three months, the company has implemented over 100 digital workflows – from health and safety checks to holiday approvals.

A culture of constant innovation

Lanes Group is already exploring new applications for Connected Workflows, such as integrating geofencing capabilities to streamline waste disposal routes and drive sustainability initiatives.

"Using geo-fencing to trigger alerts when vehicles are in the right disposal areas will allow us to be proactive," explains Mo "We can cut down on wasted trips and optimise routes for better efficiency and reduced environmental impact."

As Lanes Group continues to modernise fleet operations, Connected Workflows remains central to scaling operations efficiently – all while maintaining commitment to employee wellbeing and service excellence.