By Daron Brinsdon, Teletrac Navman national integrated solutions manager
Efficiency is a word kicked around a lot. In short, it’s the ability to accomplish something using the least time and effort.
In an industry faced with the pressures of time and staff shortages, like transport, it’s vital the systems in place are both functional and lean.
As technology becomes more available and advanced in the 21st century, early adoption and intelligent use are crucial across all industries.
A New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment report, Business Growth Agenda: Building a Digital Nation, states “international research shows small to medium enterprises that are highly digitally engaged have 20% higher revenues, faster growth and stronger job growth than firms that are less digitally engaged”.
Industries worldwide are turning their eyes towards the benefits of telematics technology that generates large volumes of data – highly valuable if you can understand it and action it.
The vehicle insurance industry has cottoned on, offering incentives to safe drivers and tracking incidents for faster claims turnarounds.
Nearly 50% of the world’s vehicles will be insured with usage-based policies by 2030, according to a report by Ptolemus Consulting Group.
Telematics are becoming more widely integrated into New Zealand’s industries. Those at the forefront of change are maturing in their understanding of the technology’s capabilities.
Generally, telematics are used by businesses to manage operations and provide intelligence on fleets.
The next step is to optimise and innovate using the data collected to streamline processes, improve productivity and inject operational efficiency into every link of the supply chain.
There are plenty of simple ways in which telematics can improve efficiency.
GPS fleet management systems allow for route optimisation, helping businesses choose the shortest distance and the fastest time on multi-stop journeys.
Ultimately, that allows for more work with less travel and can reduce the risks to staff on the road.
A big picture view of the entire fleet allows fleet managers to tweak daily schedules and, as the data builds, determine best use of resources on a wider scale.
Delays caused by machine issues and breakdowns can disrupt operations.
Integrated telematics systems will monitor the health of a machine, even down to machine fault codes, and the hours performed and send alerts as needed to help fleet managers plan additional maintenance.
As well as keeping operations well oiled, the data can easily be pulled into reports to meet health and safety regulations and offer records for decision-making around upgrades.
Telematic systems hugely reduce administration and paperwork in multiple areas. One example would be the Road User Charges system where it can streamline the whole process by recording highly accurate details to plan licensing and apply for refunds on off-road distances with ease.
Deeper engagement with telematics data is the next step in getting value from technology investments to streamline a business.
Vast quantities of data require telematics specialists to interpret and extract full value from the investment.
Some telematics providers such as Teletrac Navman offer post-sale support and training to customers to help them interpret data and learn where efficiencies can be gained.
Integration is another key factor in streamlining processes. GPS tracking systems integrate with a range of other technologies such as accounting software, freight management and maintenance software.
The recent Teletrac Navman and CCNZ Construction Industry Survey showed that although many businesses have invested in various technologies, only about half of those systems are integrated with others.
Integration allows for more automation of processes, speeding up the transfer of information and reducing the risk of error through manual key entry.
It also provides clear supply chain information to inform strategic business decision-making.
There’s also a creative way to use data that could be a key component in attracting and retaining staff. Businesses can use performance data to build a game-like incentive into driver safety programmes.
Every driver can get a driver scorecard ranking based on a variety of features tied to driver behaviour, such as heavy braking, harsh cornering and speeding.
With a visual event viewer, safety analytics software can replay unsafe driving events, enabling coaching on safety issues. Gamifying the driver experience helps meet safety goals and better driving reduces fuel consumption and maintenance bills.
The future of telematics lies in the harnessing of data to drive up efficiency.
Embracing new technology early and integrating it into all areas of a business will help New Zealand’s industry keep pace with the global standard.
Daron Brinsdon manages integrations with third party soft and hardware providers, and solves problems to ensure smooth workflow.
