The Challenge
Operating since 1982, Ausden Clark offers a wide range of passenger transport services including private hire, home-to-school travel, corporate events, sporting functions and excursions across Europe.
Their fully owned fleet boasts over 50+ modern coaches, each carefully selected to meet the varied needs of their customers. Taking huge pride in the quality and condition of their vehicles, Ausden Clark are always looking for partners and suppliers who can match their high standards.
With a new leadership team in the form of owners Adam and Connie Frost, alongside Danny Smith, the Ausden Clark team identified the need to move away from multiple, outdated systems and look for a more streamlined and all-encompassing vehicle maintenance solution.
The Approach
In charge of general operations, Martin is Ausden Clark’s trusted Operations Manager who spearheaded the search for a new Vehicle Maintenance System (VMS), alongside colleagues Darren Snape, Compliance Director and James Carr, Transport Manager.
As part of the Mircolise family, Trutac’ s tachograph analysis had previously won the Ausden Clark team over. However, despite this earlier success, when it comes to their rigorous procurement process, there are no shortcuts!
Over several months, Martin, Darren and James conducted extensive market research and trialled a number of systems. Ultimately coming up short in terms of functionality and pricing, it was only after the Trutac trial with Mircolise that they eventually find everything the business was looking for.
The trial period was instrumental in giving the team unparalleled access to the system in which he could train and test key features with his team – winning over even the most sceptical team members!
The Result
“The transformation was instant! Communication is key in my role, so the new system has simplified that process massively and has immediately reduced paperwork and streamlined the way we work.”
- Chris Arrowsmith, Garage Manager, Ausden Clark
Using Trutac, The Ausden Clark team are at the cutting-edge of vehicle maintenance technology. Utilising the latest tools and applications to manage their 50+ coaches and team members, here’s a quick rundown of the software they use today:
- TruAnalysis: Monitoring driver hours and managing infringements efficiently.
- TruView: A dynamic tool that caters to the diverse roles across the team, ensuring that up-to-date information is available at any time. For instance, their Operations Team have a dedicated 65-inch television that displays all the vital data required for real-time decision-making.
- TruChecks: Instrumental in allowing drivers to report defects directly via the app, providing the garage with immediate notifications of any issues. Enabling managers back at the depot to monitor and report on the driving team, keeping operations compliant and legitimate.
- TruFleet Workshop: Integrating all data to streamline scheduled inspections and reduce unexpected repairs.
Chris Arrowsmith, Garage Manager, has particularly found the Trutac VMS system a simple and practical garage tool making the process of defects and repairs uncomplicated and the delegation of work to different departments more practical. The undertaking of PMI checks and MOTs is superior and has helped the business maintain a great pass rate.
With instant access to comprehensive reports and updates, Ausden Clark can successfully report that their maintenance operations have become significantly more efficient resulting in:
Reduced vehicle downtime
Fewer vehicle defects
Enhanced overall vehicle performance
Confidence in product choice
“Microlise’s support during both the trial and implementation phases was outstanding. Lee Oliver, Microlise’s Compliance Sales Director, and the whole support team were always available, providing hands-on assistance via remote sessions to resolve issues promptly.”
- Adam Frost, Owner & Operations Director, Ausden Clark
When it comes to seeing and interacting with our products, many of our customers find attending the Microlise Transport Conference a great opportunity. Martin and the team joined us at the 2025 conference and was able to see first-hand the new features and upcoming developments, reinforcing their confidence in our future partnership and course the people behind the business.
Martin said: “The conference gave us the opportunity to meet the entire Microlise team, putting faces to names and reconnecting with the familiar individuals who have provided us with such outstanding support. The whole event was incredibly beneficial, and we thoroughly enjoyed being part of it.”
Innovation to deliver real-world advantages
The move to online reporting, including the adoption of digital devices for inspections, has greatly reduced the amount of paper used by the company. Additionally, by scheduling vehicle services on a needs-only basis has significantly minimised the time coaches are off the road and unavailable to service their customers.
The future vision for Ausden Clark is focused on achieving the prestigious Earned Recognition status. With the new VMS plus more custom features in the pipeline, including specialised air conditioning checks and re-gas schedules, both parties are excited to see the further improvements and efficiencies still to come.