Special technology report Transportation management
CANbus). He points out that this integration has enabled telematics companies to get access to vehicle and driver performance information that can be used to demonstrate to a driver how their driving style is affecting fuel efficiency. “The use of this information allied with good-quality driver training can not only deliver significant fuel savings but also reduce other operating costs such as
“
transport plans and driver activity that are currently on paper to provide the business with its true level of performance and service, and allow people to concentrate on the tasks which are exceptions to be dealt with rather than “day-to-day grind”. Additionally, Hannah reflects that the industry craves non-reliance on individual IT solutions to provide a business with a holistic picture of performance.
A transport company would traditionally be taking a measured risk on the implementation of a new system, shelling out a hefty upfront cost and not seeing the return for 12 to 18 months – now with web-based, pay-as-you-go systems the monthly outgoing cost is often covered each month by the savings or increased revenue, which is a direct result of the system.”
tyre and brake wear,” he said, adding that as efficient driving is also a safer driving style, accidents and therefore insurance premiums are reduced. Moreover, Harbey explains that if a telematics system is implemented and used correctly, an operator can expect to see savings on fuel anywhere from 5 to 25 per cent. “Even the best run operation with the best drivers, when presented with vehicle and driver performance information, can squeeze an extra few per cent increase in fuel efficiency – a welcome addition to the bottom line in an industry that already works on the tightest of margins,” he remarked. So why is the driver style information making such a difference? “The vehicle CANbus provides a great deal of information about driving style; everything from engine idling, use of cruise control, sweet spot driving, accelerator pedal position and the use of the exhaust brake to name but a few,” Harbey explained. “These key performance indicators give a driver a clear understanding of what they need to do differently to get the best out of the truck and the best fuel economy. With the addition of a driver feedback module mounted on the dashboard of the truck the driver can also be provided with driving-style information in real time. This is a very effective way of ensuring that a safe and economic driving style is maintained at all times.”
For Jon Hannah, product manager at Isotrak, one of the key current talking points is the requirement for better use of information across platforms to provide each coupled system with maximum value. He also cites another key discussion point as the provision of more automated systems that allow
to drive performance transparency across all of their suppliers.
– Shaun Coughlin, tmWare.
However he adds that it is not yet fully ready, due to its diversity, for the implementation of a telematics standard in business data and KPIs. And as the industry matures in IT terms,
Irvin Gray, marketing manager UK & Ireland, TomTom Business Solutions, comments that with a state-of-the-art telematics system, such as that offered by TomTom, the fleet manager benefits from better visibility and management of the fleet helping to meet his objectives from saving costs to reducing carbon footprint. He adds that the driver benefits from mapping and routing as well as live HD traffic to keep them moving, increase productivity and ease stress. In the case of TomTom’s offerings, this is complemented by a job dispatch facility that allows jobs to be sent through complete with address of the destination, so the driver can navigate there by simply tapping the screen. Because of this, Gray points out that the need for calling round on the mobile is greatly diminished. He also explains that in the office the logging allows reports to be collated quickly, efficiently and with far fewer demands on the administrative staff. “This offers clear benefits
Hannah believes that a better understanding of the amount of time required to integrate a successful IT solution could be achieved, as well as an increase in pragmatism about how business processes need to change to get the most out of a solution. Also, Hannah maintains there is a desire among retailers
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to management when adhering to legal obligations such as benefit in kind, duty of care and mileage and working hour claims,” he said. “When these benefits are applied across a fleet, the reduction in costs and increase in productivity are substantial and positively affect the company’s bottom line. >>
October 2010
MANUFACTURING &LOGISTICS
IT 9
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