27/07/2013

Think You Don't Need Telematics? 3 Case Studies That Prove Why You DO!

Telematics are becoming an essential part of fleet management, but there are still businesses that refuse to use them. In this blog, we will look at 3 case studies who don't use telematics, and show why they may be missing a trick.

Arval

"Telematics doesn't currently suit our perk-based fleet" says Tracey Scarr, fleet and road safety manager at Arval. The company's 260 strong fleet is made up of cars making private journeys, rather than vans, and the company feel that their "comprehensive safety programme" delivers "savings and change in safety culture." Because of their attitude towards safety, Arval feel that they don't need to use Telematics.

Whilst it's great that the company take a standpoint like this, it's important to remember that telematics are about more than just safety. TomTom fleet management products can help avoid costly repair bills and decrease the harmful impact on the environment. A recent study at the Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions found that the energy efficiency of vehicles can be improved by as much as 10% by ensuring fleets are well maintained and that driver performance is optimised.

Bauer

For the guys at Bauer, the idea of telematics is seen as just another way to keep an eye on staff, a concept that fleet manager Debbie Floyde just doesn't like. At Bauer, they "trust their staff" to provide excellent and efficient service without being checked up on by management.

Whilst this is commendable, and it's great to see an employer have such faith in it's staff, telematics are not simply a way of spying on your drivers. TomTom believe that there are more reasons for putting your faith in telematics than just keeping tabs on drivers, from choosing the best vehicle for the job, to providing first class service to loyal customers.

Longhurst Group

Some business managers feel that they don't need telematics. As the old saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Paula Maxwell, who is in charge of the 150 cars and 13 vans of the Longhurst Group fleet, claims "we don't have any speeding tickets, our cars aren't getting damaged, we're not changing brake pads and tyres frequently. Why put something in if we are ok?"

TomTom's answer is that technology should be used in conjunction with training to monitor and deliver improvements in performance on a continual basis. Employees who are being scrutinised may fall back into old habits, and telematics can help to evaluate staff to encourage them to keep up the good work. Telematics help to make sure that your company maintains its excellent standards.

Despite what you may be thinking, telematics really can help make your business a success. As you can see, from these 3 case studies, and hundreds more like them, there's no excuse for not having telematic devices within your fleet management systems.

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Original article posted on Fleet News.

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