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Navigating the telematics maze: top tips for selecting a supplier
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Beverley Wise, Webfleet Regional Director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions
Business innovation can hold the key to surviving and thriving in tough economic times.
Strategically targeted tech investments may signal a brave mindset at a time when competitors are battening down the hatches, but companies that grasp the nettle in pursuit of growth will typically enjoy stronger returns.
For fleets, for example, an investment in telematics can result in more efficient working practices, improvements in productivity and savings on fuel and maintenance.
The caveat emptor message, however, is look before you leap. A poor tech investment will fail to deliver a return, alienate employees and can risk becoming a redundant asset.
DEFINE YOUR GOALS
At the outset, decision-makers should ensure they’re clear about their goals when choosing a telematics partner. Are these as simple as wanting greater control and visibility over a mobile workforce? Or is the objective to cut fuel costs, improve customer service, support compliance or enable decarbonisation?
Prospective suppliers should be able to demonstrate clearly how their solutions will help you achieve your ambitions.
INTUITIVE REPORTING
Telematics systems process a wealth of data every day, but this information should be presented in a way that is easy to use and understand. Take time to understand how reports are generated and think carefully about how you require the information to be displayed to support smarter decision-making.
Can you create customisable reports specific to your business and objectives? Does the reporting allow you to manage by exception? Does the system offer alerts that enable you to address specific issues immediately?
A GLANCE TO HORIZON
In addition, they should be futureproof, remaining fit for purpose as the needs of businesses evolve.
Is the solution scalable? Does the provider have a vision for the future?
A telematics platform that has proven capability as a connectivity hub, with extensive scope for integrations with third-party software and hardware applications will offer flexibility, allowing for highly tailored end-to-end business processes that can be adapted over time. Can the system, for example, talk to customer relationship management (CRM) tools or enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms?
Suppliers with a strong record of R&D investment and innovation will also be better placed to respond to the changing transport landscape and meet your future business requirements.
A SPOTLIGHT ON SECURITY
With cybercrime on the rise and potential data vulnerabilities increasing as the connected vehicle evolves, information security has become an industry hot topic.
Fleet operators should once again do their homework and ask the right questions of prospective tech partners.
Check that systems comply with the Data Protection Act and meet international standards for data security and privacy. Ensure providers operate secure communication networks. Find out what information security policies they have in place, and what technologies they deploy to protect the confidentiality and integrity of your data.
SUPPORT FOR YOUR BUSINESS
What’s more, it should be remembered that effective implementation and on-going support is a vital ingredient to successful tech adoption. Find out how a supplier will handle implementation, what training is provided and what their support infrastructure looks like.
Choose your fleet solution wisely and you will be laying the foundation stones for a more efficient and productive future.
*www.webfleet.com
Published On: 03/11/2022 15:45:00
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