Bespoke on-line rental solution from Erento

Contractors will soon be able to hire tools and plant from their preferred supplier over the internet using a bespoke 'front end' that on-line rental portal Erento is offering its customers.

According to Clinton Patterson, Erento's director of UK operations, most plant and tool hire companies only have a 'static' website and if customers want to hire equipment they have to call the rental company between 9am and 5pm. "With the new front end, a contractor can hire equipment through the rental company's own website 24/7 and need never know they are actually on our site," he said.

The new front end will blend into the individual hire company's existing website, incorporating its corporate colours and logos. However, customers wanting to hire equipment will automatically be connected to Erento's site, but will remain restricted to the equipment offered by the particular company they logged on to.

When the hire company updates the pricing or equipment offering on Erento's site, the changes are instantly reflected in what is displayed through the individual hire company's website.

Patterson said professionals in the construction industry use Erento because it is the best way to compare prices and products by proximity. During the first half of the year, it generated more than 18,500 enquiries for UK plant hand tool hire companies.

In addition, Erento is working with hire software provider InspHire to integrate both systems. This will mean all equipment orders, whether placed directly with the hire company or via Erento, will be logged, viewed and processed in a single location to facilitate fleet control and logistics.