Fleet management is about far more than keeping track of your where your engineers are and how they get from A to B writes Sharon Clancy...
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May 09, 2016 • Features • Fleet Technology • fleet management
Fleet management is about far more than keeping track of your where your engineers are and how they get from A to B writes Sharon Clancy...
It’s becoming increasingly apparent that not knowing where your service people are at any given point in the day is likely to impact on the future prosperity of your field service business.
In this connected world of ours, live location data is becoming a given, It’s a core element in being able to react to real-time events such as unexpected delay to the planned schedule.
It’s becoming increasingly apparent that not knowing where your service people are at any given point in the day is likely to impact on the future prosperity of your field service business.
The arrival of the smart mobile device has made live position fixes much easier to obtain. You can locate a device on a cellular network mast, or you can get a location fix from a satellite. GPS has become a generic term for the latter: it stands for Global Positioning System, the US Government’s free-to-use network of 24 orbiting satellites.
Satellite transceivers (often called GPS chips) in telematics black boxes and smart mobile devices communicate with a minimum of three satellites to obtain a location fix, which is accurate to between 10 and 15 metres. By contrast, accuracy on the cellular network is only as accurate as the distance between the masts.
Why fleet management pays
Given that priority number one for most field service companies is on getting engineers to their next job and maximising the number of technician visits per day, why bother with vehicle tracking-cum-fleet management system if you can get all the information you need from, say, scheduling software with location-enabled smart devices?
Well, an important part of any engineer’s day is, actually, the driving of the vehicle from Job A to Job B and so on.
Having an integrated or stand-alone fleet management system provides a lot of potential performance improving data and more field service companies are beginning to recognise that they can deliver a lot of data about what your vehicles and engineers are doing, and they capture that information automatically.
For smaller SMEs, it can be an alternative to scheduling software.
"Exception reporting underpins fleet management software, whether it is for tasks such as on-time arrivals at customer premises, working time compliance and speeding alerts."
Some service management processes now receiving attention are, in fact, long-standing elements of fleet management packages, especially those relating to driver management and reporting: on-board telemetry fuel consumption, trip data, idling time and harsh braking.
For example, fleet management systems provide historical analysis of trips, helping confirm the scheduled route is the most economical in terms of miles, fuel and timing. Analysis of the routes driven can identify any issues, whether it is regular hold-ups at customer premises, congestion hotspots and engineers going off-route.
For those companies who’ve not yet progressed to a dynamic scheduling software, you can get a lot of similar features with fleet management systems: engineer location, automated alerts on arrival and departure form customer premises, paperless data capture.
There’s less upfront cost, too - fleet management specialists were early adopters of the pay-as-you-go cost model, charging on a per-vehicle-per-month basis. If you’ve acquired your fleet on a lease basis, fleet management can often be included in the monthly costs.
For some benefits, you do not actually have to do much at all.
Geofencing, for example, is a virtual fence around a site such as customer premises, depot, or engineer’s driveway. Once set up, it alerts managers if a vehicle is moved unexpectedly out of hours, and when vehicles arrive and leave customer premises.
Going green
Fuel represents a significant cost for any field service business and it’s also a big a contributor to carbon emissions.
Any company with a business plan to reduce its carbon emissions needs to pay attention to the contribution from its vehicle fleet. If they haven’t already, larger companies with their own commitment to carbon reduction are starting to ask suppliers and contractors for more specific information about their carbon emissions reduction strategy is – it’s becoming included in contracts.
"Several of fleet management companies now offer “Eco” or carbon footprint calculators. Masternaut, for example, has a carbon calculator that uses vehicle mileage and the known carbon output per km for each vehicle to calculate the footprint."
Fleet management companies use the on-board diagnostics port (OBD) now required on new vans to capture vehicle and driver performance data.
Congestion in towns and cities doesn’t just affect schedule times, it can have a big impact on fuel consumption – slow-moving traffic and idling.
Duty of Care
There is renewed focus on what processes are in place that demonstrate compliance with duty-of-care responsibilities. These combine an element of lone-worker protection and risk-analysis of employee behaviour.
For field service companies, the van is there to get your asset, the engineer, from job to job.
They might have all the on-site safety checks nailed but because vehicle operation is not the main focus of the business, field service companies won’t necessarily have a dedicated person to check driving behaviour – from whether the engineer has a valid a licence to whether he is guilty of always driving at 40mpg in a 30m0h zone.
"Over the past year at Field Service News we’ve seen encouraging signs that more field service companies are recognising the need to monitor the driving part of their engineers’ daily lives, both in terms of fuel consumption and from a Duty of Care and safety viewpoint."
Over the past year at Field Service News we’ve seen encouraging signs that more field service companies are recognising the need to monitor the driving part of their engineers’ daily lives, both in terms of fuel consumption and from a Duty of Care and safety viewpoint.
It’s in-built into fleet management systems – not an add-on. You can prove compliance with duty of care responsibilities.
There’s an app for that.
At any field service company, one of the biggest administration challenges is following the paper trail. Whether it is worksheets, job manifests, invoices, timesheets, expenses or vehicle safety records, losing vital pieces of paper is all too easy.
Fleet management companies have been big adopters of mobile app technology to help mobile workers do a host of things, from timesheet entries to holiday request. Everyone’s familiar with an app, so no great training is required.
Time and tax management
Fleet management systems can also provide proof of when employees start and finish work – this is particularly important in the EU, for example, where the Working Time Directive imposes limits on weekly working hours.
Service companies have to manage the fact that for many employees, their work vehicles will be also be used for non-business driving and one key benefit that fleet management systems can bring for van operators is the ability to automatically differentiate between business and private mileage - in some countries, employees are taxed on private mileage.
Driver log-on systems ensure there is no confusion about who was driving at a particular time, or you can set up a geofence - any vehicle which leaves the premises or the engineer’s home address outside normal working hours is deemed to be being used privately.
Tracking logs provide detailed breakdown of business/private mileage for each day and the week as a whole can be exported to other applications such as payroll. It’s easy to set up on most fleet management websites.
"Asking an engineer to complete a daily vehicle check might be prudent from a safety viewpoint but the engineer might see it as delaying him getting to that important first call."
He’s probably logging on to get his job manifest anyway, so give him an app to do the check and not only is it faster and easier, it closes the compliance loop because once it’s complete, the data is sent live to the office. Managers can see non-compliant vehicles and any defects needing urgent attention. In the event of an accident and a claim, you have proof the vehicle was compliant.
Driver check apps can also be useful if vehicles are shared, pinpointing when the damage was done and whether the driver was at fault.
Miscellaneous small repair bills for items such as minor scrapes and cracked deflectors can add up and identifying if one engineer is more prone than another to this type of incident can identify a training need.
Fleet management systems deliver some quick wins for field service companies, especially in terms of vehicle utilisation, route management and fuel economy.
Quick-fix apps continue to offer still more opportunity to remove time-consuming unprofitable tasks from fleet operations. And If there isn’t one yet, someone somewhere is probably writing it.
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May 05, 2016 • Fleet Technology • News • masternaut • fleet management • telematics
Murdock Builders Merchants, an independent family owned builders’ merchant group, has reduced fuel costs by 10% after implementing a telematics system from Masternaut.
Murdock Builders Merchants, an independent family owned builders’ merchant group, has reduced fuel costs by 10% after implementing a telematics system from Masternaut.
Murdock Builders Merchants implemented Masternaut’s telematics system across its fleet of 44 commercial vehicles, enabling the business to effectively track its fleet across the country.
Since installation, Murdock Builders Merchants has seen a marked improvement in driving styles and saved 10% in fuel costs thanks to data provided by Masternaut’s telematics solution. The system has also been helping Murdock Builders Merchants to have complete visibility on fuel usage and driving style.
The system has also helped to provide an increase in driver efficiency, with managers now able to distribute tasks more effectively and increase the work done by all vehicles. The customer relationship has been further enhanced, with information provided to them, giving accurate delivery times and updates in case of traffic delays.
By monitoring vehicles, telematics has been helping managers keep track of the fleet, enabling them to record information like times and dates sites were visited. This provides cast iron clarity on delivery times for customers and helps fleet managers find the nearest driver to a job location.
Paul Sheppard, Group Fleet Manager, Murdock Builders Merchants said “Part of the experience we offer our customers is outstanding delivery with minimal fuss. We’re committed to providing excellent service to our customers and ensuring we hit our delivery times, and Masternaut provides a vital part of how we go about doing that. The system gives us 100% accurate times of delivery and the ability to update customers if there are unexpected delayed, and we’ve been able to make efficiency savings on fuel. Masternaut is a vital, supportive partner of ours and gives us an extra edge that we can offer our customers.”
Steve Towe, Chief Commercial Officer and UK Managing Director, Masternaut added, “For independent family businesses like Murdock Builders Merchants it is vital that they deliver the best services for their customers. Telematics can become a vital tool to ensure a company is able to meet high customer expectations, and at the same time improve on driver behaviour across the fleet. Telematics enables you to provide a duty of care to your staff and produces savings and safety improvements across the fleet, which is important to any business.”
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Mar 10, 2016 • Features • Fleet Technology • Local Government • Case Studies • case studies • fleet management • tomtom
Incredible fuel savings and impressive reduction in CO2 emissions for Scottish local authority after implementing telematics solution from TomTom Telematics...
Incredible fuel savings and impressive reduction in CO2 emissions for Scottish local authority after implementing telematics solution from TomTom Telematics...
The Organisation:
Connecting the shores of Loch Lomond with Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire provides access to some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery and a network of towns and villages.
There are three town centres; Clydebank, Dumbarton and Alexandria. The council has a fleet of 380 vehicles that are used in delivering services for the residents of West Dunbartonshire. This fleet is made up of cars, vans and minibuses as well as specialist vehicles such as refuse collection trucks and road sweepers. The fleet has a capital value of approximately £8 million and annual running and operating costs of over £2M.
The Challenge:
Running vehicle fleets does not only incur costs – as a signatory to Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration, the council has a carbon reduction commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by one third by 2015. The cost of fuel to the council has increased significantly over recent years and it is clear that the council needs controlling mechanisms to regulate and influence the sustainable use of fuel.
With a highly recognisable fully branded fleet, West Dunbartonshire are aware that they are continuously visible and that tax payers note any inappropriate use
Tracking of the vehicles was becoming necessary to cut rising costs, raise efficiency and save time on administration.
The Solution:
In March 2010 the council installed TomTom LINK 300 GPS tracking boxes into 260 of their fleet of vehicles. This was a significant investment for the council, particularly at a time when budgets were being trimmed in every area. Nevertheless the Fleet and Waste Services Division led by Rodney Thornton, was confident that its introduction would reduce fuel costs.
Following research and a competitive tendering exercise, the council selected TomTom Business Solutions to provide the solution.
Driving more economically, efficiently, and safely, will reduce the council’s carbon footprint and longer term costs for the council. It was clear that many drivers, however unwittingly, were wasting valuable resources because of the way they drive.
Reducing average speed and instances of harsh braking and cornering delivers direct, measurable reductions in fuel consumption, servicing and maintenance costs and is proven to reduce accidents.
“Improvements to the way council vehicle operators carry out their duties has reduced our annual fuel costs by over £100,000 per annum, reduced servicing and maintenance costs in the longer term, will extend the working life of a number of vehicles and decrease the production of CO2,”
Ultimately, the council has not only saved huge costs, they have succeeded in reducing their annual climate impact.
“Improvements to the way council vehicle operators carry out their duties has reduced our annual fuel costs by over £100,000 per annum, reduced servicing and maintenance costs in the longer term, will extend the working life of a number of vehicles and decrease the production of CO2,” said Rodney Thornton.
West Dunbartonshire council are so impressed with the results of the TomTom solution, they are incorporating the TomTom ecoPLUS into a selection of the vehicles across the fleet.
The ecoPLUS provides businesses with live data such as fuel consumption and live carbon footprint so vehicles can be accurately benchmarked and best practice developed to help achieve wider objectives such as fuel saving and carbon footprint reduction. TomTom ecoPLUS will enable the council to further reduce fuel consumption, by gaining a real time view of the fuel efficiency of each vehicle, showing when and where fuel is wasted.
Idling time in particular has been highlighted as a major contributor to fuel wastage in this sector.
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Dec 16, 2015 • Fleet Technology • News • fleet technology • Berg Insight • fleet management • TomTom Telematics
TomTom Telematics has been identified as Europe’s largest, and fastest-growing, provider of commercial vehicle fleet management solutions by Berg Insight, the M2M/IoT market analyst firm.
TomTom Telematics has been identified as Europe’s largest, and fastest-growing, provider of commercial vehicle fleet management solutions by Berg Insight, the M2M/IoT market analyst firm.
Berg Insight has just published the tenth edition of its Fleet Management Europe report. CEO Johan Fagerberg commented: “Our report shows that the European fleet management market has entered a growth period that looks set to last for several years. The number of fleet management systems in active use is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15.1 percent from 4.40 million units at the end of 2014 to 8.90 million by 2019. TomTom Telematics was the fastest growing vendor in 2014 and has now emerged as the clear leader in the European fleet management market.”
Official statistics from 2011 reveal that of the 36.1m commercial vehicles on European roads, 29.5 million are light commercial vehicles (LCV) used by mobile workers for activities such as service management and deliveries.
A group of international aftermarket solution providers have emerged as the leaders on the European fleet management market, says Berg. TomTom Telematics was the fastest growing vendor also in 2014 and has climbed to the number one spot in Europe ahead of Masternaut. Other significant players include European companies such as Trakm8, Transics, Microlise, Quartix, Tantalum Corporation, Orange Business Services, Vehco and Finder and international players like Trimble and Navman Wireless from the US, Astrata Europe from Singapore and the South African telematics providers DigiCore and MiX Telematics.
TomTom Telematics services more than 520,000 vehicles worldwide 60 countries, giving it the largest installed base of subscriptions for fleet management services in Europe. At the same time, it is one of the world’s leading telematics solution providers.
“We believe firmly in the power of leadership in combination with continuous innovation,” said Thomas Schmidt, Managing Director at TomTom Telematics. “Our open telematics service platform WEBFLEET lies at the heart of this success, offering high performance and efficiency gains, security and quick return on investment for our customers.” WEBFLEET includes ISO 27001:2013 certification - one of the most stringent certifications for information security controls.
The Berg report also highlights the vendor consolidation trend in the fleet management sector, noting numerous M&A activities in 2015. Fleetmatics acquired Ornicar in February 2015 – a local FM solution provider in France adding around 15,000 vehicle subscriptions. In March 2015, a decision was made to merge the two Danaher Corporation owned companies Navman Wireless and Teletrac. Later in April, Orange Business Services acquired OCEAN that now operates as a subsidiary with the OCEAN brand name. Novatel Wireless announced a bid to acquire Digicore in June in a deal worth US$ 87 million. In the same month, Viasat announced to have acquired a controlling interest in Cefin Systems. Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division and GRO Capital announced the acquisition of Trackunit from the founders of the company in July. Thermo King acquired Celtrak in October. The latest transaction was done in November when Fleetmatics acquired Visirun in Italy adding 28,000 subscriptions amd 3,000 clients.
TomTom Telematics has also been named Best Vehicle System Integrator by TU-Automotive in recognition of its open platform which now has more than 350 partners. Available third-party software solutions and apps include those for CRM and ERP, planning and scheduling, route optimisation, temperature control, mobile printing and lone worker safety.
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Nov 25, 2015 • Fleet Technology • News • EuroShell card • fleet management • Trkimble
There is growing awareness in field service companies that fleet management can have a significant impact on the efficiency of their operations. Fuel costs is a core part of that, yet keeping track of fuel purchases can be time-consuming. Fleet...
There is growing awareness in field service companies that fleet management can have a significant impact on the efficiency of their operations. Fuel costs is a core part of that, yet keeping track of fuel purchases can be time-consuming. Fleet management solution provider Trimble is partnering with fuel company Shell in a solution which utilises the euroShell fuelcard to provide fleet managers with integrated data for monitoring and reducing fuel consumption.
Shell is building partnerships with field service management software providers to integrate fuel purchase data into operations management systems - last week Field Service News reported on the company's collaboration with TomTom.
Trimble's Performance Solution combines data from the Trimble on-board computer with the Performance Portal, making it possible for users to monitor and analyse drivers, vehicles and fuel consumption all through one single portal. With this innovative analysis tool, fleet managers can control at a glance the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) most relevant to them.
Performance Solution is a user-friendly system with graphical displays, flexibly adjustable parameters and an in-depth analysis functionality. In addition, the Web-based Performance Portal has been enhanced with smart algorithms. The evaluation of driving behaviour is centred on actual driving information such as speed, stationary, braking behavior. Users can monitor the KPIs relevant to them and provide drivers with a record of their driving performance in a PDF format.
Driver coaches can zoom in on different KPIs for detailed information, while managers can consult a dashboard for a larger perspective.
"Performance Solution can easily be integrated and extended with our other fleet management solutions for a tailor-made total solution," said Michel Van Maercke, general manager, Trimble Transport & Logistics, EMEA and Pacific Asia.
"Our customers affirm that telematics is essential to good fleet management," said Robert Springer, Sales Manager Shell Commercial Fleet Netherlands. "After extensive research on the changing needs of our customers as well as evaluating solutions available in Europe, we are convinced that Trimble offers a telematics solution that meets the needs of our customers."
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Nov 23, 2015 • Fleet Technology • News • MIcrolise • fleet management • telematics • Van Excellence
There is room for significant improvement in the way service organisations manage and operate their fleets: that was a key message that emerged from Microlise's inaugural Field Service and Fleet Conference held at the MIRA Proving Ground,...
There is room for significant improvement in the way service organisations manage and operate their fleets: that was a key message that emerged from Microlise's inaugural Field Service and Fleet Conference held at the MIRA Proving Ground, Warwickshire earlier this month and supported by Field Service News.
There is growing recognition among service organisations of the importance of developing the driving skills of mobile service personnel and the benefits it can deliver in terms of operational and employee safety and reduced costs.
Delegates at the Microlise event heard from the UK Government's Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, the Head of National Roads Policing Intelligence, logistics company DHL and former Stig Ben Collins alongside Microlise Director of Product Stephen Watson. In a series of sessions, they are able to learn useful and practical information on everything from safe driving style and the use of technology to monitor driving performance, driver engagement and real world case studies of fleet management best practice.
To underline the importance of driving skills, Microlise fitted a fleet of vans, supplied by event sponsor Hertz, with telematics so that guests could be let loose on the MIRA City Circuit, which simulates the driving conditions found in an urban environment. The objective was to drive economically and safely; with drivers scored on how well they achieved this. This practical element to the event underscored to many delegates the level of driving skills required and gave them a deeper appreciation of the challenges engineers face on a daily basis when travelling between each job.
On the subject of vehicle management, Mark Cartwright of the Freight Transport Association Van Excellence scheme shared that more than 49% of vans currently fail their MOT first time round. Many service organisations do not have a policy of routine vehicle safety checks incorporated into their operations, he said.
It was an action-packed event where everyone gain a greater insight into this often-overlooked element service management. FSN looks forward to hearing what topics will shape next year’s agenda.
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Nov 20, 2015 • Fleet Technology • News • fleet management • Shell • TomTom Telematics
TomTom Telematics and Shell are to co-operate to offer businesses in Europe a complete fuel management solution using the TomTom Telematics fleet management platform WEBFLEET alongside Shell fuel management services.
TomTom Telematics and Shell are to co-operate to offer businesses in Europe a complete fuel management solution using the TomTom Telematics fleet management platform WEBFLEET alongside Shell fuel management services.
As a result of this agreement, TomTom Telematics will launch a service that integrates euroShell Cards data into its WEBFLEET software-as-a-service platform, making fuel transactions and fuel management information available for users in one system.
“TomTom Telematics has a strong portfolio and high performance standards to help fleets improve fuel efficiency, which fits well with the expectations of Shell customers,” said Thomas Schmidt, Managing Director at TomTom Telematics. “Furthermore, the integration of euroShell Cards fuel data within WEBFLEET provides a more complete picture for fleet managers, enabling them to optimise and manage all aspects of fuel efficiency.”
Parminder Kohli, General Manager Business Development at Shell Commercial Fleet, added: “This deal provides customers with a complete solution combining one of the telematics industry’s richest reporting suites with Shell’s fuel card expertise and one of the largest petrol station networks in Europe.”
“Fuel is amongst the biggest cost factors when running a vehicle fleet. However, by providing businesses with driver, vehicle and fuelling data insights, areas for improvement can be more easily identified and acted on, helping these businesses to reduce their costs and carbon footprint."
TomTom Telematics has over 500,000 subscribers in 60 countries.
Sep 09, 2015 • Features • Fleet Technology • MIcrolise • driver performance • driver safety • field service • fleet management • telematics
As telematics specialist Microlise launches Clear, its new driver coaching and behaviour app developed specifically for field service organisations, Kris Oldland discovers his inner White Van Man and realises that not all stereotypes are true…
As telematics specialist Microlise launches Clear, its new driver coaching and behaviour app developed specifically for field service organisations, Kris Oldland discovers his inner White Van Man and realises that not all stereotypes are true…
UPDATE: SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THIS EVENT REVIEW MICROLISE AND FIELD SERVICE NEWS HAVE TEAMED UP TO REPEAT THE DAY FOR FIELD SERVICE NEWS READERS.
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When we hear the phrase “white van man” it doesn’t always conjure up the most positive connotations: a red top paper somewhere on the dashboard, an arm hanging lazily out of the window and, worst of all , reckless driving with little care for other motorists all fit into the traditional stereotype.
However, the white van driver is not only at the heart of the field service industry but also at the heart of the UK economy as well.
“Over the last few years there has been a meteoric explosion in the white van market. From September 2014 to February 2015, 150,000 vans were registered in the UK” stated TV presenter and author Quentin Willson. Willson was opening an event hosted by telematics specialist Microlise at the Milbrook Technology Park to launch its Clear telematics solution for field service.
“Bringing in £35Bn to the UK economy the idea of White Van man being the spine of the UK economy has been embraced by government.” Wilson continued underlining just how significant a role the White Van Man has in the British economy as the UK continues to rebuild it’s status as a leading financial power following the economic downturn and double dip recession of recent memory.
And of course for those companies who operate these vehicles, there are huge potential savings to be made from improving driver behaviour, to ensure that fuel economy is at an optimum whilst vehicle degradation remains at a minimum.
Service engineers are drivers too
There are huge potential savings to be made from improving driver behaviours..
This in itself isn’t a particularly new concept, of course. Telematics companies such as TomTom, Telogis and Fleetmatics have been raising this point and aiming their products at field service companies for some time now. It’s a busy market as it is so is there space for another telematics company toeing the same line as everyone else?
What do Microlise bring to the table that differentiates them from their competitors and peers?
Well for a start they have an extremely strong pedigree in the haulage sector, where they are very well established with fleet operators and truck manufacturers. The annual Microlise Transport Conference is the biggest transport conference in the UK with over 1,000 delegates attending this year’s event held at the Ricoh arena.
Secondly, Clear is aimed specifically at field service companies and is actually a very slick piece of kit indeed.
Clear is aimed specifically at field service companies and is actually a very slick piece of kit indee
The Clear launch event included interesting presentations from associations including the FTA and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency which both highlighted the looming burden to van operators of having to meet the stricter servicing and roadworthiness compliance regime that already apply to HGV operations. (Given the fact that almost half of all vans fail their MOT first time this could, arguably, be merited. However, it would likely prove costly to both operators and government alike.)
We also heard some excellent case studies from facilities management giant Interserve and pay-TV providers Sky.
The road ahead is Clear
After a morning of we had the chance to test out Clear first hand which of course meant getting behind the wheel of a van ourselves. Our challenge was to complete the Alpine course as close to the optimum time of seven minutes, with as few driving faults as possible. The course which was apparently model on a section of road actually in Alps, certainly provided a challenge, with hairpin bends, heavy cambers and steep inclines combining to make a route that certainly demanded attention.
Stepping into a brand new Ford Transit van provided by co-sponsor Hertz , I admit I felt a sudden rush of nerves. I’d only ever driven a van once and that was not long after passing my test and I’ll readily admit that on that particular occasion I found myself quickly living up to the stereotype as I hogged the middle lane of the M40.
I’d only ever driven a van once and that was not long after passing my test
With my dignity secured I could now spend some time with the coaching side of the app to understand better how it works. With my recorded data transferred I was ready to see where I went wrong and was duly handed a tablet (the app is available on both IoS and Android) to have a look through the low points of my run.
The app itself had a nice intuitive interface and I was impressed with how quickly and easily I was able to drill down into data such as fuel efficiencies, carbon emissions and of course dangerous driving elements such as over steering and harsh braking.
And as I looked through my reported errors, I was advised on where I went wrong by none other than Ben Collins, AKA the Stig, the former racing driver who know makes his living perform insane stunts for the movie industry.
Whilst our group were each getting their specific feedback there was also an opportunity to see the back end of the system at work, as it comfortably managed our ‘fleet’ of 30 or so delegates and fed back data in real-time.
The reporting suite also gives field service managers valuable information on fleet utilisation and productivity, delivering additional operational benefits, whilst real-time vehicle tracking gives fleet managers the insight to understand the location and operational status of every vehicle in the fleet.
Clear field service benefits
“Clear will deliver huge benefits to organisations operating fleets of vehicles” commented John Mills, Head of Mobile Workforce Telematics at Microlise. “The product has been developed with the specific needs of these organisations in mind, and we’re excited to be working in such a dynamic space.
“Whilst telematics solutions are traditionally centred on vehicle tracking and driver performance, Clear comes complete with a range of other features that will help field service organisations to be compliant in terms of HMRC reporting, DVSA regulations and in-house vehicle safety standards. Comprehensive task management and communications further enhance efficiency and service levels.”
As well as highlighting driver faults in real-time, Clear also offers easy access reporting. I could very much see how self coaching via smartphone or tablet helps improve engagement and education of our field workers. And such a tool could be very powerful means of communicating to our engineers that they are indeed professional van drivers as well as professional engineers.
In fact, perhaps one of the biggest challenges of improving the driver standards of our field engineers, could possibly be convincing them they are professional drivers in the first place.
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Coming soon: More on the importance of convincing field engineers they are also professional drivers.
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Aug 06, 2015 • Fleet Technology • News • masternaut • field sales • fleet management • telematics • Uncategorized
Water control systems and plumbing company Reliance Worldwide Corporation (UK) Ltd has improved mileage logging and slashed administration times after implementing a telematics system from Masternaut.
Water control systems and plumbing company Reliance Worldwide Corporation (UK) Ltd has improved mileage logging and slashed administration times after implementing a telematics system from Masternaut.
Reliance Worldwide has implemented Masternaut telematics across its fleet of 26 cars, to accurately and effortlessly log all private and business mileage for its field sales team.
Reports are automatically sent to the administration manager on a weekly basis, breaking down the total mileage into business and personal, based on agreed cut off times for business related mileage. Employees use a fuel card to purchase all fuel, both private and personal, and a deduction is made from monthly pay in line with HMRC Fuel Advisory rates for any private mileage recorded. As such the process is HMRC compliant.
The Masternaut system has benefited the whole business, from the finance department to individual drivers, enabling authentication of business and private mileage, whilst storing data for regulatory compliance. This provides absolute transparency and avoids any over-claim issues.
As a result of having the technology installed in all 26 vehicles, Reliance Worldwide has also managed to reduce insurance premiums across the fleet.
“Expense and mileage logging is a heavy admin burden on any business, but the data and technology provided by Masternaut has helped us to eliminate that burden for our sales team,” commented Sally Pearson, administration aanager, Reliance Worldwide. “The support provided by the Masternaut team is excellent. We have reduced the company car drivers’ admin workload, eliminating the pain of manually logging their mileage. The reporting process gives total transparency on mileage across the business, giving a far more accurate picture on private mileage. By streamlining the process, we’ve given time back to our employees and saved them from an additional administration headache.”
Steve Towe, Chief Commercial Officer and UK Managing Director, Masternaut added, “Fleet car drivers are more likely to use their vehicles for both personal and work use, not something typically seen with vans or LCVs. Reliance Worldwide now has transparency on the actual mileage drivers have done allowing for a far more accurate picture of business versus private mileage. For many drivers, handling tax and expense claims can be a complex and time-consuming task, providing a real challenge to get everything right. Telematics is helping to reduce this burden.”
Field Service News is published by 1927 Media Ltd, an independent publisher whose sole focus is on the field service sector. As such our entire resources are focused on helping drive the field service sector forwards and aiming to best serve our industry through honest, incisive and innovative media coverage of the global field service sector.
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