Field Service News | fleet management

Pandemic Accelerates Digital Transformation Among UK Fleets

Jan 14, 2022 • Fleet Technology • News • fleet management • Sustainability • Webfleet Solutions • Service Innovation and Design • EMEA

Three-quarters (74 per cent) of UK fleets have adopted more digital solutions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, new research has revealed.

A pan-European study conducted by Webfleet Solutions among 1,050 fleet decision-makers found that in the UK, smaller fleets of up to 50 vehicles led the charge, accounting for 80 per cent of the tech adopters.

SME BUSINESSES HAVE RECOGNIZED THE VITAL ROLE THAT TECHNOLOGY CAN PLAY IN OVERCOMING THE FINANCIAL AND LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES

Electronic signature tech (60 per cent) topped the list of the new digital solutions, followed by mobile apps (50 per cent) and digital document systems, such as paperless invoicing (44 per cent). In every case, the uptick in digitisation was found to have helped their businesses deal with the pandemic.

“COVID-19 continues to have a dramatic impact on the way we live and work, making operational flexibility, smart customer interactions, risk management and cost control more important than ever,” said Beverley Wise, Sales Director UK and Ireland, Webfleet Solutions.

“SME businesses, in particular, have had the agility to respond quickly to the ever-changing commercial landscape and have recognised the vital role that technology can play in overcoming the financial and logistical challenges – improving the efficient flow of information, supporting remote working and minimising person-to-person interactions.”

Indeed, the drive to increase efficiency was found to be top reason for UK fleets adopting more digital solutions, cited by more than half (55 per cent) of those surveyed. This was closely followed by efforts to reduce the spread of infection (51 per cent) and a continued commitment to sustainability (49 per cent).

Of those that haven’t adopted more digital solutions, 28 per cent cited cost as a barrier, 28 per cent said they had enough in place, while 22 per cent said they lacked the time or resources to implement new systems.

The Netherlands led the digitisation trend with 85 per cent adopting new digital solutions, followed by Italy and Spain (both 77 per cent).

For an overview of the findings, download the infographic here.

New Report Brings Renewed Hope for Electric Fleet Usage

Jan 11, 2022 • News • Electric Vehicles • fleet management • Sustainability • UK • Service Innovation and Design • EMEA • VIMCAR

A new report from Vimcar, the fleet management provider for SMEs, reveals that the majority of petrol and diesel fleet cars on the roads in the UK and Europe could be switched to electric vehicles.

A new report from Vimcar, the fleet management provider for SMEs, reveals that the majority of petrol and diesel fleet cars on the roads in the UK and Europe could be switched to electric vehicles.From analysis of over 67,000 company fleet vehicles, the findings take into account the average distance fleet vehicles are travelling, compared to the mileage range on electric vehicles.

87% of companies said that the mileage range of electric vehicles is the main concern when considering whether or not they should make the switch to electric. However, the data suggests that mileage range is only an imagined obstacle in fleet electrification and that despite popular beliefs, most companies are in fact able to use electric vehicles without impacting the level of fleet usage. Currently, only 3% of fleet vehicles are run on electric or hybrid engines.

DATA ANALYSIS FROM ACROSS THE UK AND EUROPE REVEALS THAT MAJORITY OF FLEETS CURRENTLY ON THE ROAD COULD BE REPLACED WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES WITH MINIMAL DISRUPTION TO PERFORMANCE

At a time when many businesses (96%) are beginning to increase their stock and delivery offerings in the run up to Christmas, there are calls for businesses to re-evaluate their current systems to ensure they are being as eco-friendly as possible in the process.

Sami Eric, UK Country Manager at Vimcar said: “With the recent discussions held at COP26, there is no hiding the fact that we all need to be doing more to reduce our carbon footprint. One of the biggest changes businesses can make is the switch from petrol or diesel vehicles, to electric or hybrid. Unfortunately, there is often negativity associated with electric vehicle usage, and the efficiency they have for longer journeys. However, this data proves these fears wrong and that, in fact, the majority of businesses could make the switch and continue to use their fleets in the same way as they are now.”

Eric added: “Charging an electric vehicle is usually cheaper than filling up at the pump, with recent reports claiming they are also £131 a month cheaper to run. Because electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, they break down less and are cheaper to maintain – and therefore come with lower insurance costs and a longer life span. On top of this, electric vehicles have a 0% road tax and Benefit in Kind rate, therefore using electric vehicles in a company fleet will incur fewer costs for both employers and employees. And if businesses can make these changes with minimal disruption to current performance, there’s even less reason not to consider replacing their petrol and diesel vehicles with electric or hybrid vehicles instead.”

Webfleet Solutions Receives European Transport Award for Sustainability

Dec 20, 2021 • Fleet Technology • News • fleet management • Sustainability • Webfleet Solutions • Service Innovation and Design • EMEA

Webfleet Solutions has won the European Transport Award for Sustainability 2022.

The award, from German trade magazine Transport, recognises companies in the transport and commercial vehicle industry for their ongoing commitment to sustainability, with the winners chosen by an independent panel of experts. The leading provider of fleet management solutions received the accolade in the ‘Telematics’ category.

WEBFLEET SUPPORTS ITS CUSTOMERS TO IMPLEMENT MORE SUSTAINABLE FLEET OPERATIONS

Wolfgang Schmid, Sales Director D-A-CH at Webfleet Solutions, accepted the award together with Jeremy Gould, Vice President Sales at Webfleet Solutions.

“As part of Our Green Mission, we strive to build a more sustainable future for mobility by lowering our own carbon footprint and helping our customers reduce their carbon emissions,” said Schmid. “This award recognises our ambitions and achievements."

With its WEBFLEET software-as-a-service solution, Webfleet Solutions supports its customers to implement more sustainable fleet operations.

WEBFLEET allows fleet managers to improve fuel usage, for example, analyse driving behaviour to promote greener driving styles and ensure the most economical routes are being taken to reduce emissions. With its solution for electric vehicles, the telematics provider helps fleets maximise the value of their EVs and enables those that want to adopt electric models to do so effectively.

Webfleet Solutions also believes in sustainable operations and is actively reducing its own carbon footprint. The company recently launched an initiative to reduce the use of plastic in hardware packaging and has also partnered with global NGO Justdiggit to offset the carbon emissions from its supply chain and facilities by supporting replanting and reforestation projects in Africa.

Through Justdiggit, Webfleet Solutions has, to date, invested in regreening an area in Tanzania four times larger than the centre of Amsterdam, resulting in 51,800 tonnes of CO₂being sequestrated through bringing back over 130,000 trees.

More information about the award can be found here: http://www.transportpreis.eu

Festive Food Ferried by Fleets: Food Retailers Rise to The Challenge of Deliveries in Run Up to Christmas

Dec 17, 2021 • News • fleet management • UK • Covid-19 • Managing the Mobile Workforce • EMEA • VIMCAR

UK small and medium sized food businesses are feeling the pressure for customer deliveries in the lead up to Christmas, according to new research released by Vimcar.

UK small and medium sized food businesses are feeling the pressure for customer deliveries in the lead up to Christmas, according to new research released by Vimcar.Over half of those surveyed have experienced an increased demand for food deliveries in the lead up to Christmas compared with the last two years.

This pre-Christmas rush is putting clear pressure on deliveries and demand on fleets, with almost 90% of those surveyed offering a delivery service for their customers. A need which has been galvanised by a change in customers’ purchasing habits since the start of the pandemic, with many now expecting delivery options to be available as standard, rather than as an additional option.

OVER HALF OF FOOD DELIVERY BUSINESSES ARE EXPERIENCING A HIGHER DEMAND FOR DELIVERIES THIS CHRISTMAS, COMPARED TO THE LAST TWO YEARS

Undertaken by Vimcar, the fleet management software for SMEs, the survey comes at a time when food retailers are needing to increase their fleet size (93%) to keep up with demand, but are grappling with the impact of delivery driver shortages. Furthermore, almost all (96%) food businesses currently running fleets to fulfil delivery needs, expect their costs to increase between now and Christmas.

Despite the increased pressure and challenges facing SME food retailers, the majority of respondents (78%) are feeling optimistic about business performance for the Christmas period 2021, as a result of the increase in demand and the lifting of COVID restrictions in comparison to 2020.

Sami Eric, UK Country Manager at Vimcar said: “It is really uplifting to see that small and medium sized food retailers are thriving in the run up to Christmas, especially after a very challenging couple of years. With these higher demands comes higher expectations for businesses to meet. This research shows the challenges that the food industry is facing during the busiest time of the year, and the need for customers to be understanding of the changing landscape to which businesses are adapting to.”

Eric added: “As pressure mounts, efficient fleet management will be crucial in helping SMEs to offset rising fleet costs as well as maximise the investment they have made into new delivery services. Poorly managed fleets and drivers can quickly drain a business’ costs and resources, so implementing a fleet management tool is vital to simplify time spent on fleet admin and maintenance.”

GPS Insight Acquires FieldAware to Create a Comprehensive, Market-Leading Fleet Management, Field Services and Telematics Software Platform

Dec 02, 2021 • News • Digital Transformation • field service technology • FieldAware • fleet management • GLOBAL • GPS Insight

GPS Insight, a leading provider of SaaS-based fleet management software and complementary solutions in the United States and Canada, today announced the acquisition of FieldAware, the leader in made-for-mobile, cloud-based field service solutions.

The acquisition advances field services and fleet tracking capabilities for GPS Insight, allowing them to better serve customers of all sizes through a more robust and comprehensive digital platform with capabilities to achieve operational insights and cost savings.

THIS PARTNERSHIP MOVES FIELDAWARE CLOSER TO FULLY DIGITIZING AND AUTOMATING A MADE-FOR-MOBILE FIELD OPERATIONS EXPERIENCE

"GPS Insight is thrilled to provide even better solutions for our customers through this partnership with FieldAware, while at the same time extending our competitive advantage across the field service and fleet management landscape," said Gary Fitzgerald, CEO at GPS Insight. "We're committed to creating tools for businesses to operate with more efficiency," Fitzgerald adds, "and bringing together these two platforms will provide an unparalleled synergy to guarantee high-quality, reliable service that drives bottom-line profitability, while enabling our customers to deliver a superior end-to-end service experience for their customers."

The acquisition will better position GPS Insight to expand its field service solutions to meet the unique digital field service challenges of mid-market and enterprise service organizations across core industries, such as industrial and commercial equipment, solar and renewable energy, facility and property management, waste management, construction, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, while ensuring fleet performance—along with driver safety and compliance—to a customer base of more than 250,000 vehicles combined.

"This is an exciting time for FieldAware to join forces with GPS Insight. This partnership moves FieldAware closer to realizing our vision of fully digitizing and automating a comprehensive, made-for-mobile field operations experience," said Steve Mason, COO at FieldAware. "Existing and new customers can expect to see benefits immediately as we take our solutions and innovation to a new level to expand the impact of all types of assets in the field."

"FieldAware's history of digital innovation has been transforming field service organizations since 2011," continued Fitzgerald. "By integrating their field-first service suite with the industry-leading telematics, video telematics, and field service management solutions from GPS Insight, we'll be able to complement each other's unique strengths and market positioning—expanding our go-to-market channels and cross-selling opportunities. This acquisition not only grows the GPS Insight product portfolio, but also reinforces our commitment to helping companies realize the promise of fully digital field operation transformation."

For more information, please visit gpsinsight.com

Webfleet Solutions and Bridgestone Develop Integrated Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for Reliable Road Safety

Oct 12, 2021 • Fleet Technology • News • fleet technology • fleet management • Webfleet Solutions • EMEA • onpoint logistics

Webfleet Solutions, Europe’s leading telematics solutions provider, is introducing WEBFLEET TPMS to the market.

The joint development between the telematics leader and its parent company Bridgestone, a global leader in tyres and rubber providing solutions for safe and sustainable mobility, provides predictive tyre management integrated into the award-winning WEBFLEET fleet management solution.

Designed for heavy commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, WEBFLEET TPMS utilises sensors that continuously monitor tyre pressure levels and tyre temperature.

THE SOLUTION CONTINUOUSLY CHECKS TYRE PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE AND ALERTS BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE FLEET MANAGER IN CASE OF ISSUES TO HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS OR COSTLY DOWNTIME

The information is sent to the WEBFLEET Telematics Service Platform for analysis. When an issue is detected, WEBFLEET alerts the fleet manager in the office and/or the driver in the cab in real time. This allows them to take action before the issue evolves into a more serious problem that could lead to accidents, disruptions and costly vehicle downtime.

Paul Verheijen, Vice President Product Management of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, said: “The majority of heavy truck breakdowns on European roads are caused by tyre-related issues such as underinflated tyres.

“Manual pressure checks are time consuming and slow leaks are very difficult for drivers to detect. WEBFLEET TPMS is not only digitising and automating this entire process, but it also directly enables the fleet operator to make fast, informed decisions to improve road safety and reduce tyre-related costs and downtime.”

The instant notifications that are triggered when abnormal tyre pressure or temperature is detected are colour coded. The colours reflect the severity of the issue, which helps users to determine the right course of action.

The WEBFLEET TPMS sensors are precise and easy to install, as they can be fitted without removing the tyre. They enable the TPMS solution to detect under or over inflation before it’s visible. While properly inflated tyres increase safety, they also offer better fuel efficiency and an optimised tyre service life. All of this translates to less CO₂ emissions and extended tyre life.

“With WEBFLEET TPMS, we are reinforcing our market leadership in connected transport solutions,” added Jan-Maarten de Vries, CEO of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.

“By adding real time tyre insights to WEBFLEET, transport companies have control and visibility over their entire fleet operation – all from one interface.

“For years, business fleets have been using telematics solutions to understand and leverage their vehicle data. Now, we are using this telematics data to optimise tyre performance. Our TPMS solution is just the beginning of further innovations in connected tyre technology enabled by the combined strength of Bridgestone and Webfleet Solutions.”

Watch this videoto learn more about TPMS please visit: https://www.webfleet.com/en_gb/webfleet/fleet-management/tpms/

Onpoint Logistics Cuts Fuel Bill by a Third Using Connected Fleet Management

Oct 04, 2021 • Fleet Technology • News • fleet technology • fleet management • Webfleet Solutions • EMEA • onpoint logistics

Onpoint Logistics has seen its fuel bill slashed by a third (34 per cent) and productivity boosted by 14 per cent, thanks to the introduction of connected technology from Webfleet Solutions

The Birmingham-based specialist logistics company has implemented an integrated solution using the WEBFLEET fleet management platform.

With a fleet of more than 60 vehicles, ranging from vans to 44 tonne trucks, the leading logistics and haulage company specialises in the movement, storage, and logistical support of time-critical freight for manufacturers throughout the UK and Europe.

ONPOINT LOGISTICS INTRODUCES AN INTEGRATED SOLUTION FROM WEBFLEET TO HELP DRIVE COST-EFFICIENCES, BOOST PRODUCTIVITY AND IMPROVE DRIVER BEHAVIOUR

Onpoint Logistics works closely with Communicate Better, an official Webfleet Solutions premium partner, to take advantage of rich scheduling, fleet planning and asset utilisation technology.

Carl Delaney, Managing Director of Onpoint Logistics, said: “As we specialise in providing same day or next day delivery throughout the UK and parts of Europe, optimal efficiency and seamless processes are crucial to our business.

“We needed a solution that would help us manage and monitor our fleet in real-time, reduce costs, and provide key data insights to improve driver behaviour.

“We turned to Communicate Better who delivered a smart, time-saving WEBFLEET fleet management platform that is cost-effective, boosts productivity and keeps our drivers safe out on the roads.”

WEBFLEET provides 24/7 automated reporting and asset tracking, offering full visibility of the Onpoint Logistics fleet, with OptiDrive 360 functionality empowering drivers to be greener and safer by giving them real-time feedback and advice on their performance behind the wheel.

A smart 360-degree integrated vehicle cahttps://www.fieldservicenews.mera system, meanwhile, provides associated video evidence for every driving event, offering context and clarity into why incidents occurred, further assisting in improving driver behaviour and driver security.

“Having full transparency over our fleet and the powerful insights needed to take decisive action has saved us time and money and given us the ability to redirect vital resources and further invest in our business,” added Delaney.

Survey on UK Construction Industry Reveals Lack of Visibility Over Vehicle Usage

Aug 12, 2021 • News • construction • Digital Transformation • fleet management • EMEA

New research released today has revealed that construction managers are in the dark about how and when their company vehicles are being used, leading to vehicle theft and vehicle misuse.

The research, which was undertaken by the fleet management software company for SMEs, Vimcar, found that a staggering 1 in 3 construction managers have had fleet vehicles stolen, whilst 87% restrict employee vehicle usage without a full picture of how the fleet is operating.

61% OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS ARE CONSIDERING IMPLEMENTING FLEET TRACKERS FOR GREATER CONFIDENCE IN HOW AND WHEN VEHICLES ARE BEING USED

At a time where van sales are on the rise and many businesses are increasing their fleet sizes, the data points to a worrying trend that construction managers have insufficient visibility over how and when their vehicles are being used. The research found that almost half (43%) of construction managers could not say how long employees spent with customers, and a further 37% did not know whether their employees turned up to a job on time or even at all.

As the construction sector emerges from a challenging 17 months, construction managers have indicated that they need a clearer understanding of their fleets, with 88% wanting to receive regular notifications of how vehicles are being used by employees. What’s more, nearly two thirds of respondents said they would consider implementing trackers to closely monitor vehicle usage – a move which would reassure construction managers that vehicles are being used efficiently and appropriately.

Ronald Clancy, UK Country Manager, Vimcar said: “Vehicle misuse costs the construction services industry thousands in terms of extra fuel, HMRC fines, and unnecessary maintenance expenses. As van sales continue to rise, fleet managers and business owners must consider the real cost of their growing fleet to their business and uncover ways to maximise efficiency. A GPS fleet management system that includes features such as live tracking, geofencing and data exportation would not only enable trust and transparency between managers and their employees, but also prevent the disasters of vehicle theft.”

Connected fleet management boosts mpg by 12 per cent for Strata Logistics

May 18, 2021 • Fleet Technology • News • fleet management • VisionTrack • Webfleet Solutions • Managing the Mobile Workforce • EMEA • Strata Logistics

Strata Logistics has seen its fleet mpg soar by 12 per cent thanks to connected technology introduced to improve productivity, driver behaviour and tachograph compliance.

The Letchworth-based haulier’s integrated solution combines Webfleet Solutions’ fleet management platform WEBFLEET, connected cameras from VisionTrack, TDi Software’s TransMaS traffic management system and disc-check tachograph software.

WEBFLEET’s OptiDrive 360 functionality highlights dangerous or inefficient driving, profiling drivers based on incidents such as harsh braking, sharp cornering or speeding. VisionTrack’s connected cameras, meanwhile, provide associated video evidence for every event.

THE TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS STRATA TO STREAMLINE ITS WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT AND SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE FLEET ADMIN TIME

“The improvement in our average fuel consumption has been helped in no small part by a 75 per cent reduction in speeding and a 50 per cent drop in vehicle idling incidents,” said Paul White, Managing Director, Strata Logistics

“We also expect our maintenance spend to fall as we experience less wear and tear on vehicle components, such as tyres and brakes."

By using a single software interface, Strata has also streamlined its workflow management and seen a significant reduction in fleet admin time.

Jobs can now be scheduled dynamically, with daily job itineraries sent to drivers via Webfleet Solutions’ PRO 8375 TRUCK ruggedized terminals. As jobs are accepted by Strata’s drivers, the system automatically provides truck-specific navigation instructions and accurate ETAs, meaning customers can be notified when their deliveries are due to arrive.

“We had previously relied heavily on manual planning, but the introduction of the integrated WEBFLEET and TransMaS solution has been revolutionary,” White added.

“We have seen fantastic gains in productivity and now have full visibility over our entire operation."

In addition, the combination of WEBFLEET TachoShare with TDi’s disc-check is making life easier for Strata to remain compliant with tachograph regulations.

TachoShare has taken responsibility away from the company’s drivers by automating the remote download of driver card and vehicle unit data, saving them time through reduced administration. Disc-check then simplifies back office analysis and reporting, helping to monitor and reduce the likelihood of future infringements.

Strata Logistics’ investment in the fleet management solution was supported by TDi Software, an official Webfleet Solutions partner.

ARCHIVE FOR THE ‘fleet-management’ CATEGORY

Pandemic Accelerates Digital Transformation Among UK Fleets

SME BUSINESSES HAVE RECOGNIZED THE VITAL ROLE THAT TECHNOLOGY CAN PLAY IN OVERCOMING THE FINANCIAL AND LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES

Further Reading:

New Report Brings Renewed Hope for Electric Fleet Usage

DATA ANALYSIS FROM ACROSS THE UK AND EUROPE REVEALS THAT MAJORITY OF FLEETS CURRENTLY ON THE ROAD COULD BE REPLACED WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES WITH MINIMAL DISRUPTION TO PERFORMANCE

Further Reading:

Webfleet Solutions Receives European Transport Award for Sustainability

WEBFLEET SUPPORTS ITS CUSTOMERS TO IMPLEMENT MORE SUSTAINABLE FLEET OPERATIONS

Further Reading:

Festive Food Ferried by Fleets: Food Retailers Rise to The Challenge of Deliveries in Run Up to Christmas

OVER HALF OF FOOD DELIVERY BUSINESSES ARE EXPERIENCING A HIGHER DEMAND FOR DELIVERIES THIS CHRISTMAS, COMPARED TO THE LAST TWO YEARS

Further Reading:

GPS Insight Acquires FieldAware to Create a Comprehensive, Market-Leading Fleet Management, Field Services and Telematics Software Platform

THIS PARTNERSHIP MOVES FIELDAWARE CLOSER TO FULLY DIGITIZING AND AUTOMATING A MADE-FOR-MOBILE FIELD OPERATIONS EXPERIENCE

Further Reading:

Webfleet Solutions and Bridgestone Develop Integrated Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for Reliable Road Safety

THE SOLUTION CONTINUOUSLY CHECKS TYRE PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE AND ALERTS BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE FLEET MANAGER IN CASE OF ISSUES TO HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS OR COSTLY DOWNTIME

Further Reading:

Onpoint Logistics Cuts Fuel Bill by a Third Using Connected Fleet Management

ONPOINT LOGISTICS INTRODUCES AN INTEGRATED SOLUTION FROM WEBFLEET TO HELP DRIVE COST-EFFICIENCES, BOOST PRODUCTIVITY AND IMPROVE DRIVER BEHAVIOUR

Further Reading:

Survey on UK Construction Industry Reveals Lack of Visibility Over Vehicle Usage

61% OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS ARE CONSIDERING IMPLEMENTING FLEET TRACKERS FOR GREATER CONFIDENCE IN HOW AND WHEN VEHICLES ARE BEING USED

Further Reading:

Connected fleet management boosts mpg by 12 per cent for Strata Logistics

THE TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS STRATA TO STREAMLINE ITS WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT AND SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE FLEET ADMIN TIME

Further Reading:

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