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.

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Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/service-innovation-and-design 
• Read more about Fleet Technology @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-technology
• Learn more about Webfleet Solutions  @ www.webfleet.com
• Read more about Webfleet Solutions on FSN @ www.fieldservicenews.com/webfleet-solutions
• Follow WebFleet Solutions on Twitter @ twitter.com/Webfleetnews

Topcon Positioning has announced its MC-Max machine control solution.

Based on its MC-X machine control platform, and backed by Sitelink3D — the company’s real-time, cloud-based data management ecosystem — MC-Max is a scalable solution for mixed-fleet heavy equipment environments. It is designed to adapt to owners’ machine control and data integration needs as their fleets and workflows expand.

THE MC-MAX SOLUTION OFFERS FLEXIBLE MOUNTING SOLUTIONS, AS WELL AS OPTIONAL AUTOMATIC BLADE AND BUCKET CONTROL FOR A VARIETY OF MACHINES

The flexible service options include Realpoint, the Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) service, and Starpoint, a Precise Point Positioning (PPP) service. The different services have varying delivery methods, coverage, and reliable centimeter-level accuracy. Under a flexible subscription model, customers can purchase to suit their needs. Additionally, an RTK service supported by PPP, Skybridge, is available to maintain connectivity and productivity if the customer temporarily leaves RTK coverage.

MC-Max increases processing power, speed, accuracy, versatility and reliability; and can be installed on a full range of dozers and excavators, using the same basic modular components. Modern, redesigned user and product interfaces were developed based on real-world applications and customer feedback and provide a simplified and immersive user experience that allows operators to learn the system easily.

“With MC-Max, we’ve created a solution that is flexible and can continue to grow as a contractor’s needs and capabilities expand,” said Jamie Williamson, executive vice president, Topcon Positioning Group. “This new solution provides improved scalability and precision in the field and offers business owners real-time data integration, connectivity and resource management capabilities across their entire workflow.” The MC-Max solution offers flexible mounting solutions, as well as optional automatic blade and bucket control for a variety of machines. The system also provides a full battery of positioning technologies ranging from slope control to laser, multi-constellation GNSS, robotic total station and Millimeter GPS systems.

MC-Max provides project managers a real-time view of machine positions, activities and onsite progress, and is compatible with a wide range of site communications systems.

For more information on MC-Max and the MC-X Platform, visit www.topconpositioning.com/gb/

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Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Read more about Automation on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/automation
• Read more about Topcon on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/topcon
• Learn more about Fleet Technology @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-technology
• Find out more more about Topcon Positioning @ www.topconpositioning.com
• Follow Topcon on Twitter @ twitter.com/topcon_today

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 CO₂  being sequestrated through bringing back over 130,000 trees.

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

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Further Reading:

• Read more about Service Innovation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/service-innovation-and-design 
• Read more about Fleet Technology @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-technology
• Read more about Sustainability @ www.fieldservicenews.com/sustainability
• Learn more about Webfleet Solutions  @ www.webfleet.com
• Read more about Webfleet Solutions on FSN @ www.fieldservicenews.com/webfleet-solutions
• Follow WebFleet Solutions on Twitter @ twitter.com/Webfleetnews

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/

 

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Further Reading:

• Read more about Parts, Pricing and Logistics @ www.fieldservicenews.com/parts-pricing-and-logistics
• Read more about Fleet Technology @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-technology
• Learn more about TPMS @ www.webfleet.com/fleet-management/tpms/
• Learn more about Webfleet Solutions  @ www.webfleet.com
• Find out more about Bridgestone @ www.bridgestone.co.uk
• Read more about Webfleet Solutions on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/webfleet-solutions
• Follow WebFleet Solutions on Twitter @ twitter.com/Webfleetnews

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.

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Further Reading:

• Read more about Parts, Pricing and Logistics @ www.fieldservicenews.com/parts-pricing-and-logistics
• Read more about Fleet Technology @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-technology
• Learn more about Onpoint Logistics @ www.onpointlogisticsltd.co.uk
• Learn more about Webfleet Solutions  @ www.webfleet.com
• Read more about Webfleet Solutions on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/webfleet-solutions
• Follow WebFleet Solutions on Twitter @ twitter.com/Webfleetnews

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.

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Further Reading:

• Read more about Managing the Mobile Workforce @ www.fieldservicenews.com/managing-the-mobile-workforce
• Read more about Fleet Technology @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-technology
• Learn more about Strata Logistics @ stratalogistics.com
• Learn more about Webfleet Solutions  @ www.webfleet.com
• Find out more about Vision Track @ www.visiontrack.com
• Follow WebFleet Solutions on Twitter @ twitter.com/Webfleetnews

Leading online vehicle remarketing business, Copart UK, is gearing up for the introduction of DVS regulations by installing connected technology on its 250-strong transporter fleet over the next few months.

The business, which has 18 nationwide locations across the UK, has implemented an integrated solution which combines Webfleet Solutions’ fleet management platform WEBFLEET and connected cameras from VisionTrack.

The connected technology is being rolled out to the company’s existing and new transporters, in preparation for the introduction of The Direct Vision Standard in London, where around 20 per cent of Copart’s fleet operates.

The Direct Vision Standard, which measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows, is part of the Mayor of London's Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's transport network by 2041. It will come into force from March 2021.

AN INTEGRATED SOLUTION TO COMPLY TO THE NEW DVS AND SAFEGUARD DRIVERS AND OTHER ROAD USERS

“This comprehensive solution ensures that we are complying to the letter when it comes to the Direct Vision Standard, but it also brings a wealth of other benefits,” said Phil Briggs, Copart UK’s Director of Operation Centres, Transport & Engineering.

“We can gain powerful insights into driver style and behaviour and implement targeted training and education, which can lead to improved driver safety and security, enhanced fleet sustainability and a reduction in fuel and maintenance costs. The camera integration also provides irrefutable evidence in the event of road traffic incidents, giving us a complete picture of what has occurred and why.

This not only provides peace of mind for the driver but can also help avoid protracted legal proceedings and rebut bogus damage or injury claims. All this using one single software interface.”

WEBFLEET’s OptiDrive 360 functionality helps to empower drivers to be greener and safer by giving them real-time feedback and advice on their performance behind the wheel, while profiling them based on incidents such as harsh braking, sharp cornering or speeding to enable issues to be immediately addressed. VisionTrack’s connected cameras, meanwhile, provide associated video evidence for every event, offering context and insights into why incidents occurred.

To help protect the safety of vulnerable road users, VisionTrack DVS kit will be retrofitted on the fleet’s existing London-centric vehicles and will be fitted as standard on 150 of Copart’s new-build transporters, regardless of which area they are being deployed to - meaning the connected forward, rear and side-facing vehicle cameras have been supplemented with side sensors and left-turn warning alarms.

VisionTrack’s camera system also captures footage of vehicles being loaded and unloaded from the transporters to monitor asset condition going on and off the vehicle.

“With eyes on every angle, we will now have full transparency over our fleet operations,” Briggs added.

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Further Reading:

• Read more about Fleet Technology @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-technology
• Learn more about Webfleet Solutions  @ www.webfleet.com
• Find out more about Vision Track @ www.visiontrack.com
• Read more about Webfleet Solutions on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/webfleet
• Follow WebFleet Solutions on Twitter @ twitter.com/Webfleetnews

Webfleet Solutions, Europe’s leading telematics provider, has enhanced its offering with new features that give fleet managers remote insights into their electric and hybrid vehicles. The EV management tools are part of the new release of WEBFLEET version 3.10 and are available for over 50,000 Webfleet Solutions customers across 60 countries.

“With the electric vehicle management tools, we are helping our customers to adapt to EV operations and maximising their cost-saving potentials,” said Beverley Wise, Sales Director UK & Ireland of Webfleet Solutions.

NEW FEATURES IN FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTION TO HELP MANAGE EVS

With the EV features in WEBFLEET, fleet managers can:

• Get insights into the battery levels of their electric vehicles
• See the remaining driving range
• Get information on real-time charging status
• See the remaining charging time of their EV at all times

A fleet manager can use the remaining driving distance, for example, when planning a sequence of orders or choosing a vehicle for a job. “By knowing exactly how much charge a vehicle has and how far it needs to travel, fleet managers can avoid higher charging costs during peak time or waiting in line for charging,” explained Wise.

“Adding EV features in our fleet management software is only a first step,” Wise emphasises. “In the course of this year we will – with the feedback of our strong global customer base – further develop our EV management tools. Our goal is to use our vast experience and proven expertise in telematics to help fleets get the most benefit out of the needed transformation”.

The electric vehicle tools are part of the newest WEBFLEET release and are available to all customers worldwide. In addition, the new version also offers enhanced features to help fleet managers in their day-to-day business, including a new road type usage report. The report gives insights into how a selected vehicle was used with the distance driven per road type and can help to decide for the best tyre types for respective vehicles.

 

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Further Reading:

• Read Webfleet Solutions' latest eBook  @ www.webfleet.com/prepare-to-plug-in
• Read more about Fleet Technology @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-technology
• Read more about Webfleet Solutions on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/webfleet
• Learn more aboutWebfleet Solutions @ www.webfleet.com
• Follow Webfleet Solutions on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/Webfleetnews

 

Stay-at-home orders due to outbreak means essential fleet vehicles can take advantage of quieter road network.

The enforced lockdown across the United States due to the Corona Virus outbreak has meant an increase in travel efficiency for essential commercial vehicles across its cities' road networks.

Fleet Service Management

Data processed from Fleet Service Management firm Geotab and their connected vehicles operating across seven major US cities shows an increase in average commercial speeds and a reduction in time spent waiting at intersections.

Compared to averages from February 22 to March 15 the data shows that across all seven cities there has been an average road speed increase of 16 per cent with New York City, the state with the worse outbreak, seeing the highest increase of 2o per cent.

Stopping times at intersections has reduced signigificantly with Atlanta having the largest reduction of approximately 17 per cent compared to the February 22 to March 15 period.

It all equates to less traffic on the road meaning residents are adhering to Government orders to stay at home during the breakout. Vehicles tasked with carrying out essential services, such as food deliveries to supermarkets, are able to reach their destinations quicker than usual in weekday traffic figures that resemble that of the weekend.

Mike Branch, VP of Data and Analytics at Geotab expanded on the analysis. "Examining connected car datasets at the city level helps provide some clarity and understanding about what is happening in our communities during unprecedented times such as this," he said.

"We have seen a noticeable decrease in traffic congestion based on average speeds and time spent at intersections. This means that with less traffic on the roads, commercial vehicles are able to get through typically congested major cities in a more efficient way, allowing essential drivers to get where they are going quicker."