Field Service News | Sustainability

The granularity of asset data

Feb 11, 2022 • Features • Digital Transformation • IoT • servicemax • Servitization • Sustainability • Asset Data • amit jain

Kris Oldland, Editor-in-Chief, Field Service News is joined by Amit Jain, Chief Product Officer, ServiceMax as the two discuss the role of asset data in anticipation of a major research study undertaken by Field Service News Research in partnership...

Can asset data help us become more sustainable?

Feb 09, 2022 • Features • Digital Transformation • IoT • servicemax • Servitization • Sustainability • Asset Data • amit jain

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.

Europe's Biggest Machine Manufacturer, Volvo CE, Integrated with the ABAX Interface

Jan 12, 2022 • News • construction • Volvo Construction • Sustainability • ABAX • Service Innovation and Design • EMEA

The construction sector accounts for a significant amount of CO2 emissions worldwide, and is still far behind in the green transition.

The construction sector accounts for a significant amount of CO2 emissions worldwide, and is still far behind in the green transition. With all Volvo machines now available in ABAX Smart Connect, the digitalisation of the industry can accelerate and help reduce climate emissions - using technology that is already installed and ready for use.

CHEAPER SOLUTIONS OVER SUSTAINABLE

A new report conducted by Ramirent* in Sweden shows that cheap alternatives are often chosen in favour of sustainable solutions, even though the cheap alternatives rarely prove to be cost-saving. With the right sustainability measures, which can be easily implemented, climate emissions from the construction industry can be drastically reduced.

TOP FOUR LEADING HEAVY EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURES AVAILABLE

ABAX is a telematics company that has minimised the digital threshold for the construction industry. With ABAX Smart Connect, they have made it easier for fleet owners to be aware of their emissions. The top leading manufacturers** such as Catepillar, Hitachi and John Deere are already connected to ABAX Smart Connect. When Volvo now joins, the service will be available for a significant number of machine fleets worldwide. Through ABAX Smart Connect, construction companies receive ongoing status updates on their machines. In practice, this means greater control of unnecessary operating and service costs, and a daily status update on consumption and compilation of CO2 footprints. The technology is already installed in all Volvo machines, and the only thing required to use the digital tool is a connection to ABAX Smart Connect.

Volvo is a significant supplier of machines to the Scandinavian market. The opportunity to be able to connect to technology that is already installed in Volvo's machines will enable major gains for both the environment and costs. We must all take responsibility and take advantage of the development opportunities that exist, not least in an industry with a major impact on society. We want to inspire others in the industry to make a difference and expand their digital services, says Paul Walsh, CTO of ABAX.

According to the Paris Agreement, today's emissions of greenhouse gases will be reduced by 40 % by 2030. Emissions from the construction industry have a direct impact on how all of the individual countries will contribute to the common goal for the EU. A prominent method of improvement is digitisation.

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

Rapid charging expert Heliox launches New 180kW Flex Charge System ™

Oct 25, 2021 • News • Carbon Emissions • Electric Vehicles • Sustainability • Service Innovation and Design • EMEA • HELIOX

Rapid charging expert Heliox has announced the launch of its 180kW Flex Charge System™, designed for high-powered depots and overnight charging across multiple vehicles, including buses and trucks.

The Heliox 180kW Flex Charge System™ has recently been rolled out by Multiobus in Belgium, with GVB Amsterdam and Transdev Hermes in Eindhoven to follow shortly.

From 1 January 2025, at least 30 cities must have established a zero-emission zone as per their commitment to the Paris Climate Accord of 2015. The goal brings into focus balancing the immediacy of transition with an eye on being future-proof. Flex Charge also allows fleet owners to scale up charging infrastructure as their fleet grows, as opposed to a higher up-front cost, reducing upfront payments and in the long run, lowering the total cost of ownership.

THE FLEX CHARGE SYSTEM IS COMPATIBLE WITH MULTIPLE VEHICLES, REMOVING BARRIERS TO ENTRY AND ENABLING A GIANT STRIDE AHEAD OF THE E-MOBILITY REVOLUTION

“With Heliox Flex Charge, fleet operators can expand their charging infrastructure at the same time as their fleet and add power as needed. Startup and capital costs are the biggest challenge for electric vehicle adoption, and we are excited to be leading the charge with Flex, at a pivotal moment for the industry.” said Michael Coljin, CEO of Heliox Group.

The Heliox 180kW Flex Charge System™ is a simple plug-in system designed to be compatible with vehicles and interfaces built to last over 15 years.

Other benefits include:

Dynamic charging: Flex Charge can deliver the right amount of power as needed - 180, 120 or 60 kW - while charging multiple vehicles at the same time.

Scalable and modular: Expand as you grow, Flex Charge allows fleets in transition to start slowly and scale in the long run.

Flexible installation: It is not necessary to design the fleet around chargers, especially as the Flex Charge System™ is compatible with any interface, including pantograph, contact cap, dispenser box, etc.

Small and cost-effective footprint: Cost per point of sale is lower than a standard charging system, reducing the total cost of ownership for operators.

High-Powered: A single hour of charge allows an e-bus to travel up to 180 kilometers in urban environments.

In the last 6 months, Heliox has supplied over 1 million high power charge sessions, or 6000 sessions per day, with over 25,000 commercial EVs powered by Heliox globally. On average, this equates to a daily carbon saving of 3000-4000 tons per day. Simply put, this is the equivalent of lighting up 3000 homes annually. Additionally, cities that have adopted Heliox’ solutions for public transportation are working towards a 97% reduction in emissions en route the 2025 zero-emissions target.

“For both environmental and economic reasons, the decision to electrify a fleet or switch to an electric vehicle is now clearer than ever. Total cost of ownership is competitive with diesel, with EV expected to be nearly a dollar a mile cheaper by 2030. This is an attractive switching argument for any ambitious fleet owner,” says Colijn.

Tavant Transforms Service Lifecycle Management with Enhanced Connected Service Experience

Oct 19, 2021 • News • Artificial intelligence • Service Lifecycle Management • Sustainability • Service Innovation and Design • GLOBAL • TAVANT

Tavant, the global leader in Service Lifecycle Management (SLM), announced the expansion of its solution suite to enhance service delivery experience, drive sustainability, and capture aftermarket lifetime value.

The expanded solution builds a single source of information designed to help OEMs and their suppliers improve how they develop, maintain, and service their products.

Powered by AI, the SLM suite will enable manufacturers to gain better insights into end-to-end aftermarket processes like warranty and claims, service parts, field management, predictive maintenance, operating conditions, wear and tear, parts failures, and support. This suite also helps in improving service processes like parts refurbishment, scrap management, parts management, waste management, and optimizing the carbon footprint in the manufacturing ecosystem.

THE NEW SOLUTION SUITE WILL EXTEND AFTERTMARKET LIFETIME VALUE AND OPTIMIZE CARBON FOOTPRINT

“AI and Analytics must be a strategic part of the overall service experience for the manufacturer,” said Aly Pinder, Program Director, Service Innovation at IDC. “In order to make sense of the rich data opportunity within the service lifecycle, organizations will need to rethink all aspects of service lifecycle management including the role of connected machines, devices and efficient processes and how they impact their service business."

“As systems and products become smart and connected, companies today need to emphasize data to drive business decisions. Tavant’s vision is to create a 360-degree view of the service life cycle processes for manufacturers, their channel partners, and customers. Our future-proof SLM suite gives businesses a competitive advantage by enabling exceptional service experiences for their customers while driving high service revenues,” said Roshan Pinto, Head of Manufacturing, Tavant.

“The manufacturing industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Built with a data-first approach, Tavant’s SLM suite is designed to provide a more comprehensive look to the service processes with actionable insights for a far-reaching approach to sustainability and carbon footprint analysis,” Roshan said.

Vert Technologies Launches Low-Noise 100% Duty Compressor for Faster Fibre Installations

Aug 18, 2021 • News • Sustainability • Managing the Mobile Workforce • EMEA • INSTALLATION • VERT TECHNOLOGIES

With a view to simplifying the fibre optic cable installation process, compressor technology pioneer, Vert Technologies, has unveiled the new A200 mobile compressor.

Able to deliver 11 bar of pulse-free air pressure at 100% duty, the A200 has been designed as a lightweight and compact (L800mm x W380mm x H400mm) alternative to traditional petrol and generator-powered compressors.

THIS 'PLUG AND PLAY' COMPRESSOR OFFERS EASIER LOGISTICS FOR FFTH INSTALLERS

The new compressor provides logistical benefits to fibre-to-the-home/property (FTTH/P) installers when working in multi-dwelling residential units and commercial office blocks. Powered by a standard 240V plug, the 2kW A200 provides installers with reliable, pulse-free air flow up to 11 bar (174psi) with a maximum airflow of 200lpm.

Unlike many other ‘plug and play’ mobile compressors, the A200 is able to run continuously at 100% duty removing the need for periodic downtime for cooling and also to prevent air gapping from occurring during the cable installation process. Its low operating noise level of just 62dBA also ensures minimal disturbance to nearby residents or workers.

Nicol Low, COO at Vert Technologies, comments: “With ambitious plans afoot to replace the UK’s aging copper-based communication network with nationwide fibre broadband, there remains significant inefficiencies with the traditional methods of installing fibre optic cables to multiple dwelling units (MDU) and domestic properties.

“To date, installers have often had to make a compromise when it comes to compressor choice: prioritising flow at the expense of mobility and noise by using petrol-powered compressors able to deliver 100% duty, or use low-duty mobile compressors which offer easier logistics but are prone to air gapping and in need of regular replacement. We have created the A200 with a view to removing this compromise, and providing FTTH/MDU installers with a quick, quiet and efficient solution to their air compression conundrum.”

For more information on the A200, please visit: www.vertrotors.com/a200/

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The granularity of asset data

If you are an FSN Premium subscriber you can access the full interview now on the button below. Alternatively, if you are yet to subscribe or are on our forever-free subscription you can join FSN Premium on the button below and get full access to the entire FSN Premium resource library.

Read the Executive Briefing Report based on the findings of the latest Field Service News Research Project:

Can asset data help us become more sustainable?

If you are an FSN Premium subscriber you can access the full interview now on the button below. Alternatively, if you are yet to subscribe or are on our forever-free subscription you can join FSN Premium on the button below and get full access to the entire FSN Premium resource library.

Read the Executive Briefing Report based on the findings of the latest Field Service News Research Project:

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:

Europe's Biggest Machine Manufacturer, Volvo CE, Integrated with the ABAX Interface

CHEAPER SOLUTIONS OVER SUSTAINABLE

TOP FOUR LEADING HEAVY EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURES AVAILABLE

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:

Rapid charging expert Heliox launches New 180kW Flex Charge System ™

THE FLEX CHARGE SYSTEM IS COMPATIBLE WITH MULTIPLE VEHICLES, REMOVING BARRIERS TO ENTRY AND ENABLING A GIANT STRIDE AHEAD OF THE E-MOBILITY REVOLUTION

Further Reading:

Tavant Transforms Service Lifecycle Management with Enhanced Connected Service Experience

THE NEW SOLUTION SUITE WILL EXTEND AFTERTMARKET LIFETIME VALUE AND OPTIMIZE CARBON FOOTPRINT

Further Reading:

Vert Technologies Launches Low-Noise 100% Duty Compressor for Faster Fibre Installations

THIS 'PLUG AND PLAY' COMPRESSOR OFFERS EASIER LOGISTICS FOR FFTH INSTALLERS

Further Reading:

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