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Started: rivaldo, 3 Jun 2024 23:00
Last post: rivaldo, 3 Jun 2024 23:00
With:
- at least a £3m+ cash pile against an £8m m/cap
- forecast 10p EPS this year rising to 11.5p EPS next year
- plus a 2.75p dividend
TST looks very, very good value at 97.5p following today's statement.
Started: rivaldo, 3 Jun 2024 15:44
Last post: rivaldo, 3 Jun 2024 15:44
Terrific news:
Https://uk.advfn.com/stock-market/london/touchstar-TST/share-news/Touchstar-PLC-RESULT-OF-AGM/93971571
"In conjunction with today's Annual General Meeting of shareholders, Touchstar announces an update on trading for the five-month period ended 31st May 2024 (YTD).
· Trading remained buoyant with YTD trading ahead of budget.
· Order Intake YTD is running 15% above the prior year.
· Margins remain healthy.
· As previously indicated the Company expects financial results for the full year 2024 to be second half weighted.
· Board remains comfortable with market expectations for the 12 months ending 31st December 2024"
Started: rivaldo, 21 May 2024 08:58
Last post: rivaldo, 28 May 2024 12:20
Online you can buy just a maximum of 500 shares at the full 100p offer, whereas you can sell 9,000 at 96p.
Which bodes well.
Uh-oh, ta, but I'm not bothered about the effect, merely the fact that there appears to be little stock around to satisfy apparent demand out there, which is always a good sign.
Rivaldo, you need to be careful about reading too much into the availability of stock to buy or sell because the market-makers are, in effect, the opposite of you. So, if you sell 30,000 shares at 92.5p, the market-maker is buying 30,000 at 92.5p. The market-maker is then long of 30,000 and, in turn, he will want the price higher, not lower, so that the shares can be sold on to a buyer. So selling may not depress the price. It may actually do the opposite.
Good to see signs of life. It's been a long time!
You can now only buy a maximum 100 shares at 100p, whilst you can sell 30,000 shares at a premium at 92.9p. Big demand out there for this microcap.
Started: rivaldo, 17 May 2024 09:07
Last post: Florence141414, 17 May 2024 11:08
Not much at all.
I came across Themis company yesterday and tried to get a full position but could only get £6500 through IG at 94 (nothing with Hargreaves Lansdown)
Looks like unbelievable value even at these prices though.
No wonder the price is rising. Online now you can only buy a maximum 500 shares at the full 95p offer, whilst you can sell at least 35,000 shares at 90p.
That's exceptional demand by TST's standards.
Good to see a couple of days of rises on minimal volumes - and the spread reduced to a vey nice 3p.
Likely not much stock around.
Started: rivaldo, 17 Apr 2024 07:32
Last post: rivaldo, 23 Apr 2024 10:56
Good to see 30,000 shares bought this morning in three tranches, at steadily increasing buying prices up to 89.75p.
WH Ireland's 140p valuation seems quite conservative imo.
With a cash pile of 37p per share, and 10p EPS forecast this year, a 140p share price would put TST on an ex-cash P/E of only 10.3.
Given this record of PBT and EPS I'd say that multiple is perfectly reasonable.
And the PEG is just 0.28, which is ludicrously cheap:
2021 - £0.2m PBT
2022 - £0.4m PBT
2023 - £0.7m PBT
2024 - £1.0m PBT (forecast)
And for EPS:
2021 - 4.0p
2022 - 6.6p
2023 - 7.6p
2024 - 10.0p (forecast)
WH Ireland today reiterated their 140p price target (increased recently from 120p).
They summarise:
"Full year results: Recurring revenue strategy delivers further profit growth
Touchstar is a supplier of mobile data computing solutions and managed services to a variety of industrial sectors. This morning’s full year results reflect the outcome of a multiyear strategy coming to fruition for the group, with recurring revenue growth of 8.7% delivering overall revenue growth of 7.1% and in turn a 60% increase in PBT to £0.7m.
Over the past few years, Touchstar has focused on enhancing the returns from their product offering through a shift towards recurring software license and hardware maintenance revenues, whilst also charging a fair rate for customer requested software updates. Each of these strands continued to grow in excess of overall revenue growth in FY2023, delivering further improvement in gross margin, reaching 63.6% in H2 2023 up 19bp from 61.7% in FY2022A.
With FY2024E reported to have started to plan, we expect this strategy to drive further organic growth in the coming years, with additional potential for expansion into new overseas markets and strategic M&A.
Trading on an FY2024E PE of 9.5x and EV/EBITDA of just 2.6x, underpinned by £3.0m of net cash (37.5% of market cap), we see scope for the shares to continue to move higher as further growth is delivered. We see fair value at 140p."
"WHI view:
With recurring revenues reaching a new high of 40.4% in the period, we are encouraged by further progress against the group’s strategic aims and believe this should help drive continued organic revenue and profit growth in future years. With the potential from new overseas markets, product improvements, and M&A, we see scope for the shares to continue to move higher as further growth is delivered. We see fair value for the shares at 140p."
Much appreciated rivaldo. Very helpful.
TST's recent history and profitable turnaround is worth recording. WH Ireland's numbers are as follows:
2021 - £0.2m PBT
2022 - £0.4m PBT
2023 - £0.7m PBT
2024 - £1.0m PBT (forecast)
And for EPS:
2021 - 4.0p
2022 - 6.6p
2023 - 7.6p
2024 - 10.0p (forecast)
I'd say this is rather impressive progress! And all now backed up by the £3m cash pile and 40% recurring income.
Last post: SmallerThanLife, 17 Apr 2024 07:58
It's the predictive software they are developing! :)
Dividend to be paid 20 June to holders as at 21 June?
That's a new one!.
Started: rivaldo, 8 Apr 2024 13:23
Last post: rivaldo, 8 Apr 2024 13:23
Good in particular to see the following re both the further rollout and expansion of requirements:
Https://www.touchstar.co.uk/blog/british-sugar-cctv
"As an NSI Gold system provider and installer, British Sugar were reassured that they had invested in a quality solution and are now looking to use the Newark site installation as a global standard to rollout out to the remaining three sites.
British Sugar are also considering extending the solution requirements, working with TouchStar to include full support and regular preventive maintenance to enable a futureproof, scalable, and robust CCTV system"
Started: rivaldo, 11 Mar 2024 07:25
Last post: SmallerThanLife, 15 Mar 2024 09:58
I agree that it looks cheap. But it is depressing how thinly traded the stock remains, even after the buyback announcement. Just one to keep in the bottom drawer I suppose.
TST is a transformed company, with rising sales, profits, a £3m+ cash pile, new software and other products now commercialised, substantial recurring revenues, international sales prospects and a vision led by an experienced Chairman.
Plus a very positive outlook statement for this year.
TST managed to raise margins such that PBT increased 60% and is expected to increase another 40% this year, to give a £1m PBT against an £8m m/cap.
TST are now on an ex-cash P/E of just 7.0 for this year. Jim Slater's PEG is only 0.48.
These indicate that TST is now on a bargain valuation.
WH ireland summarise today as follows FYI:
"Today’s full year trading update demonstrates the progress that has been made in the business, with the execution of Touchstar’s multi-year strategy coming to fruition in a material improvement in profitability in FY23.
While our forecasts imply further organic growth as the group continues on its trajectory towards higher margin software licence and recurring revenues, we also note the very healthy net cash position (making up ca. 39% of the market cap), which brings the potential for bolt-on acquisitions, value being realised through further share buybacks, and further internal investment opportunities.
With the shares currently trading on a FY 2024E EV/Revenue of just 0.6x, EV/EBITDA of 2.4x and PER of 10.8x, we continue to see significant upside for the shares. We see fair value for the shares at 140p (previously 120p), which would imply a FY 2024E EV/Revenue multiple of 1.0x."
WH Ireland have raised their valuation for TST to 140p (from 120p).
They've also updated their numbers. They have £7.2m turnover for last year (up from £6.7m in 2022), rising to £8m this year and £8.5m next year.
They now forecast 7.6p EPS for last year (up from 6.6p in 2022), rising to 8.7p EPS this year and 10.0p EPS next year.
The cash pile is due to rise to £3.4m this year and £3.8m next year, with the dividend rising to 2p and then 2.5p.
With that cash pile now backing up almost 40% of the m/cap, for me it represents firstly a backstop in terms of NAV and share price downside, and secondly an opportunity as TST have stated that they wish to expand either or both internationally (via partnership) and by acquisition. So given that the cash pile puts TST in the position to do so this potential may well be recognised in the share price at some point by canny investors out there.
The 2023 trading update notes that PBT will be 60% up on last year at around £0.65m, so this and revenues will be just slightly behind forecasts - but EPS will be "well above" expectations due to a lower tax charge and the buybacks.
I'd guess EPS is likely to be around 7.5p. The 2024 forecast is already 8.7p EPS, but this may be increased due to the buybacks.
The cash pile is steady at £3m - almost 40% of the m/cap. So the historic ex-cash P/E is only around 7.5.
Most importantly, the outlook for 2024 is extremely positive:
"Trading remains on track for 2024 to be a year of
· Further revenue growth
· Maintenance of healthy margins
· Positive cash generation
· Progress in profitability
Ian Martin, Chairman, commented: "Touchstar entered 2024 in good shape. In the market sectors in which we operate activity continues, which gives reassurance for the outlook in 2024. The medium-term prospects for the company have improved. The team is now focussed on making such opportunity a reality, enabling a long term continuation of the positive trends in financial performance, building upon the solid platform we have developed and making Touchstar a better business."
Started: rivaldo, 5 Mar 2024 12:35
Last post: rivaldo, 5 Mar 2024 12:35
Nice £15,000 buy at 95p just reported, well above the published 93p offer price.
Started: rivaldo, 13 Feb 2024 11:10
Last post: shandypants2, 5 Mar 2024 11:48
Yes surprised no TU for YE, but results should be out in April and should be well ahead of last year. As has been said if there was anything untoward it would have to be released.
Feels very undervalued at these levels - growing profits, lots of cash and now dividend paying. What's not to like?
Noted what you say but the company issued a January Trading Update in 2021, 2022 & 2023 and maybe before then too (I haven't checked). So it does seem a bit strange that nothing has been released this year. Hopefully no news is good news.
Rugged mobile computing contract win:
Https://www.touchstar.co.uk/blog/damart-case-study
There's been no year end trading update as yet - remember TST would be obliged to issue a trading statement if they were materially ahead of (or behind) expectations.
As they haven't we should be able to assume that TST traded in line with expectations for last year.
I would rather TST had formally issued an RNS confirming this. But many companies don't, and I know some brokers are stupidly obstinate in sticking strictly to the rules and not considering the likes of us as shareholders.
As a reminder, the expectations are:
- 6.7p historic EPS for 2023, rising to 8.7p EPS for this year
- a maiden 1p dividend rising to 2p this year
- a £3.3m cash pile at 31st December, rising to £3.4m at the end of this year, aginst an £8.2m m/cap, i.e 40% of the m/cap
Assuming I'm correct TST remain extremely undervalued imo on those metrics.
Started: rivaldo, 27 Feb 2024 09:12
Last post: rivaldo, 27 Feb 2024 09:12
TST have just announced this contract win with Eliquo Hydrok "for a technology rollout of the latest rugged tablets and handheld computing devices":
Https://www.touchstar.co.uk/blog/eliquo-win
Eliquo look quite a substantial operation - could be a reasonably sizeable win given all "depots throughout the country":
Https://www.eliquohydrok.co.uk/en/about-us.html
"ELIQUO HYDROK has extensive experience and track record of working with all the major Water Utility companies throughout the UK and Eire. Head office and main manufacturing base is located in Cornwall, with additional satellite 'service and installation' depots throughout the country in the areas where we operate."
Started: rivaldo, 26 Jan 2024 09:42
Last post: rivaldo, 26 Jan 2024 09:42
Last year's "ahead of expectations" trading update was on a Monday, the 23rd January. A Monday RNS normally indicates good news (as opposed to a Friday!) - let's hope this coming Monday fits that scenario....
It was certainly encouraging to see the company issuing (at 211,000 a relatively limted number of) options 10 days ago - exercisable at 95p. There wouldn't be much point in doing so at this time and at such a price if the results were going to be disappointing.
Fingers crossed :o))
Started: rivaldo, 4 Jan 2024 12:25
Last post: SmallerThanLife, 16 Jan 2024 08:23
There should be a TU coming next week. Progress is continuing hopefully.
Good to see the share price move up 5p after just a 2k buy. Likely not much stock around.
Started: rivaldo, 29 Dec 2023 10:33
Last post: SmallerThanLife, 4 Jan 2024 11:20
Happy NY Rivaldo. Good to receive a small dividend from TST. Not much sign of them buying back shares yet but perhaps that's still to come. Last year they gave a TU in January so let's hope for some good news soon.
(I saw you popping up in the SWG chat too - hopefully that's another small company on a similar trajectory to TST. I opened a small position in SWG last month.)
Great to see the newly introduced interim dividend hitting my bank account last week - a sign of the company's confidence going forward.
HNY to all TST holders - much to look forward to methinks.
Started: rivaldo, 12 Dec 2023 13:44
Last post: rivaldo, 12 Dec 2023 13:44
TST are publicising their move into the American markets:
Https://www.touchstar.co.uk/blog/usstrategy
"Strategy Update: Touchstar Fuel Logistics in the USA
11 December 2023
Strategy Update: Touchstar Fuel Logistics in the USA
Touchstar has embarked on a strategy to extend it's market penetration to North America and Canada. As a market-leading European supplier there is already huge interest within the US market as epitomised by the recent press coverage in two leading industry magazines.
Butane-Propane News currently has a feature in it's December 2023 edition entitled "Assessing Challenges & Changes Within the Fuel Logistics Industry". The article features an interview with our Sales Director, Gordon Hyland, and can be viewed HERE.
LPGas magazine is currently running an article entitled 'Touchstar Technologies eyes North American LPG market'. This feature can be found HERE.
Touchstar will be consolidating it's strategy via an aggressive sales & marketing campaign which entails PR, extensive online & offline advertising, partnership formation and attendance at various key exhibition events. The first key trade event is 2024 Southeastern Propane Expo which is taking place at the Charlotte Convention Centre between 5th & 7th April. If you're attending and wish to meet up please contact mike.turner@touchstar.co.uk or visit this page and hit the appropriate 'want to meet up?' button."
Started: rivaldo, 11 Dec 2023 12:40
Last post: rivaldo, 11 Dec 2023 12:40
News of a scale-up contract win with a "leading food distribution company":
Https://www.touchstar.co.uk/blog/pb-orderannouncement
"P&B Foods Select TouchStar to Support Continued Growth in Data Capture Operations
11 December 2023
UK-based rugged mobile computing providers, TouchStar Technologies, is pleased to announce that P&B Foods, a leading food distribution company, will be rolling out additional rugged mobile computers within their state of the art, Bradford based operation.
The Project
With rugged mobile computers already in place to scan, track and manage goods, P&B recognised the value of these devices in supporting efficient and streamlined supply chain processes. A recent growth in capacity and throughput meant that P&B Foods were looking to scale up their data capture operations within their picking function.
Indie Bhatoa, Owner at P&B Foods comments, “Following our continued growth, we knew we needed to make the additional investment in the IT infrastructure that would help us manage sustainable growth. Having worked with TouchStar on previous technology rollouts, we knew that they were competitively priced and offered a high level of expertise and the localised support which was of particular importance to us. Not only were they able to help us select the right hardware, but they also worked closely with us during the trial and proof of concept phase giving us full confidence that we would be investing in a reliable and futureproof solution”.
The Solution
The technology rollout recommended by TouchStar was Zebra’s TC22 handheld and their own in house manufactured TS7200 rugged truck mounted computers.
etc"
Started: rivaldo, 6 Dec 2023 13:37
Last post: SmallerThanLife, 7 Dec 2023 08:24
Thanks Rivaldo. Trading in TST is still pretty thin. Normally we can expect a TU in January.
New interview with the Sales Director about TST's plans for US expansion:
Https://bpnews.com/beyond-mains/assessing-challenges-changes-within-fuel-logistics-industry
Extracts:
"Gordon Hyland, sales director of Touchstar Technologies — fuel logistics division, sat down with BPN to share his views on the future of fuel logistics, the role of digitization and Touchstar’s plans for the North American liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market. Hyland has 25-plus years of experience supporting customers with complex, field-based technology solutions."
"The European market has widely adopted a digital strategy that proves there are cost savings and efficiencies to be generated through fewer miles driven; accurate identification of tank storage locations; efficient routing and scheduling coupled with a real-time view of what happens in the field back at the planning office; and reconciliation of invoices and other issues, often happening the same day.
How does the European fuel logistics sector differ from North America?
The most obvious difference is the geography. European countries are smaller than the United States or Canada. This tends to result in areas of denser population, which creates differing requirements for fuel distribution networks.
What this has meant, though, is that the adoption of digitization of field-based processes has come quicker in Europe. Most large fleets now have in-cab mobile computing systems. Any that don’t are the rare exception. This is not yet the case in North America.
Digitization offers immediate legislative benefits by managing the data that a business needs to prove compliance with industry regulations.
It also brings practical operational benefits, such as instantly sending a driver a digital manifest in the morning, updating it in real-time if plans change, and not having to worry about lost, incomplete or damaged proof of deposit (POD) slips, without which a company won’t get paid.
Digitization means that drivers can capture a client e-signature on the glass of a connected handheld, along with the geo-coordinates of the driver at the time of delivery, for a complete POD. An invoice can then be generated within minutes of POD for improved cash flow."
Started: rivaldo, 13 Nov 2023 09:03
Last post: rivaldo, 13 Nov 2023 09:03
Interesting new article by TST's sales director about digitalisation and decarbonisation in the O&G sector:
Https://fueloilnews.co.uk/2023/10/downstream-future-decarbonisation-collaboration-and-digitalisation/
Extract:
"A perfect example is the national energy supplier, Flogas. Flogas has sought to break down silos and promote collaboration across its supply chain. Previously relying on fixed delivery cycles or an algorithm that predicted when they were going to need gas, the company has now invested millions implementing tank telematic systems, providing regular readings of their customers’ consumption and tank levels. By obtaining this vital information in real-time, Flogas has been able to centralise its orders, meaning it can now draw volume at quieter times, outside of peak periods.
By investing in a computer-based scheduling system, Flogas is also able to implement seven-day, rolling scheduling, increasing visibility. Additionally, demand sensing enables Flogas to fulfil requests across its forecasting operations, while also taking a more detailed look at customer consumption to extrapolate three months of rolling forecast data.
The Fuelstar on-truck computing system, supplied by Touchstar, ties all this together. Scheduled routes go out to the driver and, when they complete a job, an invoice goes out in real-time. If Flogas doesn’t deliver on that day, it goes back to the order pot for immediate rescheduling.
This increased efficiency automatically delivers decarbonisation through fuel and resource savings as well as the significant benefits of going paperless. We estimate that our existing client base saves 83 million sheets of paper (the equivalent of 20,000 trees) simply by eliminating the hard copy POD and invoicing.
Unexpected benefits
In addition to decarbonisation other benefits include:
Improved cash flow and better oversight of productivity levels
Enhanced safety and easier-to-manage compliance
Customisable tools and reliable data transmission
Increased customer satisfaction"
Started: rivaldo, 8 Nov 2023 12:28
Last post: rivaldo, 9 Nov 2023 11:34
RNS - another 25,000 shares bought back at 96p. That's 275,000 bought back to date:
Https://uk.advfn.com/stock-market/london/touchstar-TST/share-news/Touchstar-PLC-Transaction-in-Own-Shares-and-Total-Voting-Rights/92512912
Good to see some upward movement after a long period of inactivity. No announcements are due so perhaps there is some positive news behind the scenes?
The shares look in demand online at present - currently you can only buy a maximum 5k shares at 98.5p, whereas you can sell 12k at 91p.
Touchstar will also be presenting at MelloLondon soon, apparently likely on the 30th November but not confirmed as yet.
The event will take place at the Clayton Conference Centre, Chiswick on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th November,
Https://www.tickettailor.com/events/melloeventslimited/1030981
Started: rivaldo, 31 Oct 2023 16:01
Last post: rivaldo, 31 Oct 2023 16:01
For a £7.4m m/cap company (with around £3m net cash) this would be transformational....
What's good to see is that TST are doing this on the back of a sound rationale given that the European market is ahead of the USA's, and also that they're doing this in a careful way via partnerships rather than incurring big expenses.
Plus TST already have the brand recognition in the USA via the name Touchstar:
Https://www.lpgasmagazine.com/touchstar-technologies-eyes-north-american-lpg-market/
"TouchStar Technologies eyes North American LPG market
October 30, 2023
An established technology solutions provider in Europe has its sights set on the North American LP gas market.
TouchStar Technologies Ltd. plans to bring its experience, expertise and technology to customers in North America. The U.K.-based company has been supplying mobile computing solutions for oil and gas distribution for almost four decades. It supplies hardware, software, middleware integration services and full pre- and post-sales technical support to its clients.
“We are developing partnership opportunities as well as direct end-user engagements,” says Gordon Hyland, sales director of TouchStar Technologies – Fuel Logistics Division, in a company-generated information piece covering the future of fuel logistics, the role of digitization and TouchStar’s plans for the North American LP gas market. “We believe that our technology will enhance the offering of all LPG distributors, large or small.”
Specifically, TouchStar is introducing its FuelStar suite of products to North America. This includes in-cab hardware, front-end application and back-office software. The solution has full integration capabilities with third-party software (e.g., enterprise resource planning) and ancillary hardware (e.g., digital registers and in-vehicle Bluetooth devices).
TouchStar sees a natural progression into North America because many of its European customers already have offices here.
The digitization of field-based processes has come quicker in Europe, Hyland explains, as most large fleets have in-cab mobile computing systems. The company hopes more customers in North America will realize the same benefits.
“The European market has widely adopted a digital strategy that proves there are cost savings and efficiencies to be generated, through fewer miles driven, accurate identification of tank [and] storage location, efficient routing and scheduling, coupled with a real-time view of what happens in the field, back at the planning office, and invoice reconciliation and issue often happening same day,” he writes....
The company looks to become more visible to the U.S. market in 2024, with plans to attend next April’s Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina.
etc"
Started: rivaldo, 16 Oct 2023 10:25
Last post: rivaldo, 16 Oct 2023 10:25
I've topped up recently in the 80p's - looking very cheap again. The online share overhang has now disappeared.
The forecast is 6.7p EPS this year, rising to 8.7p EPS next year.
TST had £2.8m net cash at 30th June, forecast to rise in the seasonally better H2 to £3.3m. This equates to 40p per share in cash alone.
At the current 89p, the ex-cash P/E is therefore just 7.3, falling to 5.6 from the upcoming January.
And that's with around 40% and rising recurring income. Plus:
- prospects of international expansion
- potential acquisition activity
- booming end markets due to Microsoft legacy software replacement
Started: Davde, 10 Oct 2023 19:10
Last post: Davde, 10 Oct 2023 19:10
The drop in SP yesterday explained today by 60k in shares being sold shown today. TST still have a buyback budget left makes you wonder why they did not buy the 60k shares!
Started: rivaldo, 2 Oct 2023 15:13
Last post: rivaldo, 2 Oct 2023 15:13
Sounds good:
"the ideal rugged handheld device to take warehouse and logistics operations up a gear"
Https://www.touchstar.co.uk/blog/ts8200-scanning
Started: rivaldo, 22 Sep 2023 14:49
Last post: rivaldo, 22 Sep 2023 14:49
This one also looks pretty chunky:
Https://www.touchstar.co.uk/blog/metsec
"voestalpine Metsec select EPOD system from Manchester-based TouchStar Technologies
20 September 2023
Voestalpine Metsec plc is the UK’s largest specialist cold roll-forming company providing products for the construction and manufacturing industries. The company focus is on adding value through expert design, precision manufacturing and on-time in-full product delivery.
The company’s origins can be traced back to 1854. ..
... As a key organisation within the €10 billion voestalpine group, Metsec has continued to flourish and its range of purlin and framing systems have been utilised within many of today’s landmark UK construction projects including The Shard, Queensferry Crossing, Canary Wharf Crossrail Station, the Wimbledon Centre Court roof as well as substantial international projects such as Nakilat Damen ship yards (Qatar).
The Project
With its publicly declared focus on ‘on-time delivery’ the company maintains a policy of continuous improvement regarding delivery performance and is constantly refining, and investing in, new systems and processes. This search for a ‘best of breed’ delivery and tracking system led the Metsec management team to adopt the PODStar system from Manchester-based TouchStar Technologies.
Metsec do not run their own delivery vehicles but rather delivery work is carried out by 3rd party hauliers. These hauliers equip their drivers with a variety of different mobile devices and smart phones. With this in mind, one of the key system requirements was to have a front-end application that ran equally well on both android and iOS operating systems. The PODStar system is browser-based which means that it is entirely ‘OS neutral’.
The Cloud-based PODStar system offers a 'Planning and Optimisation' tool that automates existing manual processes. Using real time job information, clients are able to drag and drop jobs onto the relevant vehicles. The PODStar system has been fully integrated with Metsec’s existing sales order processing systems, via XML file transfer. Once a manifest has been created it is then automatically sent out to the drivers remotely in the field. To further enhance the efficiency, via a click of a button, jobs are automatically allocated vehicles in the most efficient order and display the route on a map saving Metsec fuel and time on the road...
.... The Outcome
Ian Hemsley (Metsec Production Director) comments: " We have the PODStar system installed in four of our divisions. In TouchStar we’re happy that we’ve found an organisation whose professionalism extends beyond the product itself, right through to the installation and support aspects of the project. Our drivers appreciate the simplicity and user-friendliness of the system and it has also ensured that we're legally compliant. Overall we're delighted with the system and, as we continue to expand, we look forwar
Started: rivaldo, 18 Sep 2023 14:31
Last post: Allviewswelcome, 18 Sep 2023 22:23
By the time theyve gone through the whole design, development and test process, it certainly means a good chunk of additional billable time.
That is excellent news!
The FY results statement in April mentioned that TST are looking into international expansion (2 unnamed countries were mentioned as being near-term targets, while being aware that these things can take time), so most likely this Calor Ireland deal is one of them.
The phrase "major system upgrade" is pleasing :)
It is also great to read in the 100+ Logistics press release, they mentioned "secondary benefits" of using Touchstar's systems, and the TST team are "developing one or two bespoke enhancements."
This is great for 2 reasons: firstly, the additional team has expertise to customise their offerings to suit clients' needs, and secondly these probably have high margins.
This Calor Ireland contract win looks very tasty:
Https://www.touchstar.co.uk/blog/calorireland
"CALOR IRELAND – Major system upgrade TO OPTIMISE DELIVERY AND BOOST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
13 September 2023
CALOR IRELAND – Major system upgrade TO OPTIMISE DELIVERY AND BOOST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
14th September 2023, Manchester UK – Touchstar client Calor Ireland make a further significant investment in ‘Fuelstar’ system
About Calor
Every day, Calor supplies LPG, BioLPG, LNG and Autogas to its customers: homes and businesses off the mains gas grid. Calor provides an energy that is easy to transport, store and use, which has many versatile uses, and a limited environmental impact compared to popular alternatives.
Calor Ireland are the leading supplier and distributor of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Ireland, allowing customers who are located off the natural gas grid use LPG gas for power in their homes and businesses. The company is expert in LPG procurement and commissioning, bulk gas storage, cylinder filling and storage, LPG transport and delivery, installation and maintenance. The company also actively develop and innovate new LPG powered products such as the Calor Mini-BBQ and new lightweight cylinder.
Calor Ireland employ 284 staff in 6 sites located throughout the island of Ireland serving circa 50,000 customers across residential and industrial commercial sectors.
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And also:
Https://www.touchstar.co.uk/blog/100pluslogistics
"100+ Logistics select ‘PODStar’ system to enhance delivery operation
12 September 2023
100+ Logistics select ‘PODStar’ system to enhance delivery operation"
" After extensive research and evaluation of the latest available technologies, the management team at 100+ Logistics have commissioned an electronic proof of delivery system from Manchester-based Touchstar Technologies. The ‘PODStar’ system will solve the current challenges of a large paper trail, ensuring manual processes are optimised, credit control issues resolved and customer service improved.
The integrated PDA and web-based back-office solutions will allow 100+ Logistics to manage their operations in real-time and remove the problems associated with paper-based processes. "
" Client Reaction
Scott Partridge, Managing Director of 100+ Logistics, is excited by the potential for the newly acquired system to transform their supply chain operation: “We were impressed by how the Touchstar team rapidly understood our business needs and by the overall capabilities of the software. We can readily drag and drop jobs onto runs and distribute seamlessly to the driver’s mobile devices. We’ll be able to plan routes and receive ETA information in real-time which will optimise our deliveries and improve our service to our clients. There are a lot of secondary benefits to the system such as automating our vehicle checks and the Touchstar team are developing one or two bespoke enhancements