Lyme Bay RIB Charter faced a challenge: their pre and post-ride data collection processes were stuck in the past. With manual forms and scattered information, inefficiencies were piling up. That’s when they teamed up with Digi to revolutionise their workflow.
Together, they introduced a modern, automated dashboard that made data collection and reporting not just easy but also actionable.
The result? A massive boost in operational efficiency, better compliance, and happier teams.
Let’s Set the Scene
From Easter to October, Lyme Bay RIB Charter operates out of West Bay Harbour, offering breathtaking boat trips, private hires, and watersport packages. Think dramatic views of the Jurassic Coast and a fleet of professionally skippered RIBs ready to deliver unforgettable experiences.
Safety and compliance have always been top priorities for Lyme Bay. But between unpredictable weather, fluctuating tourist demand, and the need to meet strict regulatory standards, they needed more than just great boats - they needed a system to keep their operations running smoothly.
Their biggest pain points? Pre and post ride checks, maintaining detailed safety records, optimizing fuel usage, and keeping everything compliant with insurance and regulations. Their old methods simply couldn’t keep up.
The Challenges They Faced
Lyme Bay’s original setup had a lot of room for improvement:
- Paper-Based Processes: Data collection relied on outdated forms that were easily misplaced or damaged (especially in wet weather!).
- No Real-Time Insights: Operational decisions often lacked the support of up-to-date data.
- Manual Reporting: There was no streamlined way to analyse data or track key metrics like fuel usage.
- Compliance Risks: Lost forms could spell trouble for insurance claims and safety audits.
- Frustrated Staff: Skippers and office teams were tired of inefficiencies holding them back.
Digi's KPI Dashboard has been a game-changer for us.
Charter and trip data collection is now super easy and quick for the team, plus we've eliminated manual tasks associated with reporting - saving us time and reducing errors.
Digi's insights have sharpened our focus on operational performance, which is crucial in an industry where demand often fluctuates due to external factors like weather and seasonality.
We are more confident than ever regarding our safety and compliance, and the team are able to focus on delivering exceptional experiences for our customers.
The ability to record real time dynamic risk assessments has been one of the most substantial benefits for us.
Seeing how we're performing in real time is such an amazing benefit in terms of safety and commercial performance.
The Digi team are first class to deal with and the implementation and ongoing support has been fantastic!
‐ Simon Miles, Lyme Bay RIB Charter
What They Needed
The goal was crystal clear: Lyme Bay needed a reliable, efficient system that could:
- Standardise Data Collection: Across devices, including rugged tablets for skippers.
- Provide Real-Time Analytics: KPIs like fuel usage per skipper had to be visible at a glance.
- Ensure Data Security: No more misplaced or vulnerable paperwork.
- Scale with Ease: The solution had to grow as their operations evolved.
- Save Time: Automation to replace manual, repetitive tasks.
- Support Cost Tracking: A clear view of ROI.
How Digi Delivered
Digi approached this challenge with three phases.
Data Phase
First, Digi scoped out Lyme Bay’s processes and pinpointed their needs.
They introduced an API integration with Google Forms for seamless data entry.
A secure backend database was set up on Google Drive to keep everything organised and accessible.
Design Phase
Digi customised a branded, user-friendly data entry interface for Lyme Bay.
An intuitive reporting hub was built for visualising analytics and key metrics.
Implementation and Testing
Feedback was gathered at every step to refine forms and dashboards.
The solution was rigorously tested, optimised for various devices, and then rolled out.
Post-Launch Support
Digi didn’t stop there—they continued to provide updates, added new features, and even offered training sessions for the team.
The Impact
The results spoke for themselves:
- Time Savings: Automation eliminated manual tasks, giving the team more time to focus on their customers.
- Happier Staff: Consistently captured data gave skippers and office staff the confidence to rely on the system.
- Enhanced Safety: Digital forms ensured that all safety checks were completed and logged.
- Operational Optimisation: Real-time insights into fuel consumption and demand helped boost profitability.
- Data Security: Secure digital storage replaced vulnerable paper forms, minimising risk.
- Audit Compliance: Standardised processes and reliable storage made potential insurance claims and regulatory checks a breeze.
- Insurance Cost Reduction: gave insurance companies confidence to provide better value.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Lyme Bay’s journey taught some valuable lessons:
- Customisation is Key: Off-the-shelf solutions don’t always cut it. Tailored approaches yield better results.
- Design Matters: User-friendly interfaces encourage adoption and make life easier for everyone involved.
- Agility Wins: Being able to adapt quickly to feedback is crucial for success.
- Small Teams, Big Impact: Digi’s specialised team delivered responsiveness and flexibility that larger organisations often lack.
Wrapping It Up
Lyme Bay RIB Charter’s partnership with Digi transformed the way they operate. By automating data collection and streamlining reporting, they achieved:
- Optimised fuel economy and cost savings.
- Stronger compliance with regulations and insurance policies.
- A happier, more efficient team.
This isn’t just a success story - it’s a blueprint for how operational efficiency can drive growth and improve customer experiences.
What About You?
If you’re ready to take your operations to the next level, Digi is here to help.