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Kinaxia employs a dedicated team of compliance professionals to manage the Group fleet, which comprises of over 630 vehicles, therefore it is essential for the team to have full visibility of compliance data across all of the companies. In need of a modern, flexible compliance analytics software that can provide comprehensive reporting, Kinaxia chose to work with leading tachograph analysis software and compliance products provider, TruTac.

Utilising the TruTac product, TruView, the Kinaxia compliance team has access to a full compliance dashboard that provides data from across the Group in one central place. It offers all-around compliance control; tachograph management, driver de-briefing and compliance reporting.

By effectively monitoring, reviewing and managing driving performance, Kinaxia works to ensure that the companies within the Group are compliant with legislation and are operating in a safe, efficient manner.

Responsible for the roll-out of TruTac across the Kinaxia Logistics group, Trevor Dickenson, Group Health Safety and Compliance Manager, says “TruTac is a clear and concise way for us to ensure we document and review our Drivers’ behaviour. It gives us full visibility across the Group and keeps our drivers and others safe on the roads.”

“With real-time, easy access to accurate information and the ability to pull a range of the reports, we are able to work with our Drivers to get a full understanding of their needs and any risks or issues that we can tackle. The TruTac system is a great addition to our Group.” added Trevor.

Kinaxia Logistics is currently looking at additional TruTac products that may help to support compliance and operations, such as TruCheck, an app for driver vehicle checks, which is currently being trialled at Mark Thompson Transport.

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Though still a young company, SensLynx has quickly established itself as one of the foremost brands in the fleet and asset management industry.

Some of the credit goes to its co-founders, both of whom have long-standing track records as executives with other wireless entities and top tier fleet tracking companies. But SensLynx’s world-class GPS tracking hardware and software, as well as its full suite of mobile solutions for companies of all sizes, is another driving force behind its sterling reputation.

Since its inception, SensLynx has broadened its scope into many other IoT areas but sees a powerful opportunity for unlimited growth in the fleet tracking arena through a network of newly minted resale business owners.

IoT fleet management continues to be one of the fastest growing markets globally and is forecasted to be worth over $15 Billion by 2024.

Yet, it is also one of the most under-penetrated, opening a wide window for agile entrepreneurs in a broad range of verticals, such as Transportation, Plumbing, Heating/Air Conditioning, Landscaping, Electricians, Food Delivery, Utilities/Oil/Gas, Construction, Non-Emergency Medical Transport, Airports, Waste Management and Public Safety/Security.

The GMAP program is built around SensLynx’s bundled solution components, which include Fleet & Asset Tracking, Electronic Logging Device, Routing Application, Video/DashCam capture and Workforce Management for smartphones The new SensLynx GPS Management Accelerator Program (GMAP) can either enable start-ups or enhance existing business portfolios with the addition of tracking solutions. GMAP requires no upfront investment or inventory warehousing and is structured to deliver recurring revenue via new sales channels, while also being compatible with legacy business models to capitalize on similar customer profiles.

And because SensLynx white labels its solutions under certain criteria, entrepreneurs earn significant margin on hardware sales (up to 75%!) plus monthly subscription income from the customers they will own outright.

“We believe in the entrepreneurial spirit,” said Rob Garry, Co-Founder and CEO of SensLynx.  “Not only does this Accelerator Program help us grow our IoT Fleet sector on a grassroots level, it inspires others to strike out on their own or expand.”

The GMAP program is built around SensLynx’s bundled solution components, which include Fleet & Asset Tracking, Electronic Logging Device, Routing Application, Video/DashCam capture and Workforce Management for smartphones. At the heart is its comprehensive fleet/asset tracking software, packed with features like Data Handling, Parsing, Database, Mapping, Alerting, Reporting, Dispatch, Maintenance Logging, e-Logs, Local Posted Speed Limits, Addressing, Geofencing, Interstate Miles, Open API-based software and more.  The complete bundled solution with software, hardware and data connectivity is attractively packaged at one guaranteed monthly price.

SensLynx’s GMAP program provides every tool necessary for companies to succeed, including initial training, planning for roll-out, conducting telemarketing for launch, developing website content, providing custom branded marketing materials and online demo support, accessible through the streamlined GMAP Reseller Portal where businesses can also easily manage supply chain and customer accounts.

Tom Maguire, Co-Founder, COO and CMO of SensLynx said, “We’ve worked hard to create a superior, all-encompassing, yet simple program that will ensure our resellers see measurable results in record time with dedicated support from us.”

GPS Tracking makes customer fleets, assets and personnel safer and more productive while reducing operating costs and increasing profitability overall.  The SensLynx GPS Tracking Solution delivers everything and then some.  And the low expenditure, high return GMAP program allows sales professionals to become successful proprietors in an emerging industry rather than employees and augments existing businesses with a leading-edge technology. The future of IoT Fleet Management is very bright.

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A new TomTom (TOM2) Telematics study reveals UK businesses adopt disruptive technology to improve productivity and better manage employees but are discouraged by a lack of reliable information...

TomTom Telematics, a provider of fleet management and connected car services, found that more than two-thirds of businesses (68%) believe technology is important in recruiting, motivating and retaining employees. Meanwhile, increasing productivity (19%), increasing sales (11%), lowering business costs (11%) and improving customer service (11%) were the most commonly cited motivators for adopting new technology.

Half of businesses (49%), however, believe there is a lack of reliable advice for those looking to introduce new technology systems, with 24% citing a lack of information from providers as a major challenge to adoption. Other key challenges cited include a lack of expertise within the organisation (29%), an inability to find a provider that fits with the organization (31%) and cost (38%).

We’re now living in the connected world “We’re now living in the connected world...” said Beverley Wise, Director UK & Ireland at TomTom Telematics. “Businesses need to work with disruptive technology or risk being left behind by their competitors.

“We commissioned this research to paint a clear picture of the current technology adoption landscape for businesses, highlight the challenges they face when adopting and to advise on what trends they should be paying closest attention to.”

Despite the significant role technology plays in the workplace, just 41% of businesses say they are early adopters of technology innovations, with almost a third (32%) saying their use of technology at home is more advanced than at work.

“There’s a noticeable reluctance to adopting emerging solutions amongst many UK businesses,” said Wise. “This is particularly prevalent among SMEs, with these businesses 10% less likely to be early adopters of new technology than their larger competitors (37% vs 47%). But sitting on your hands while others make use of the latest innovations is a major risk.”

When choosing a provider, the research found that technological support and usability was the biggest consideration (32%).

“It’s vital for companies to do their research to ensure they are investing in systems that will be intuitive, supportive and well-suited to their business processes,” Wise added.

“At TomTom Telematics, we take this very seriously. From in-depth, hands-on information about our services, to strategically useful data like that revealed in this study, we believe in offering companies all the information they need to make the best decision.”

An illustrated report of the findings, including actionable insight and advice, is now available on the TomTom Telematics website here. 

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LightLease, a new market-leading mid-term vehicle lease solution, has been launched by leading outsourced fleet management provider Fleet Operations.

The service enables businesses to lease a broad range of vehicles, from 90 days to 12 months, bridging the gap between short-term rental and longer-term contract hire.

“We have responded to a growing market demand for a flexible leasing option that can help mobilise employees quickly, while also helping to minimise business costs,” said Jayne Pett, Sales and Marketing Director, Fleet Operations.

“LightLease offers a strategic, and cost-effective, alternative.”

The launch of LightLease also offers drivers greater flexibility following the introduction of WLTP (World Light-duty Test Procedure), the new method of measuring car fuel economy and emissions.

“We are witnessing a great deal of apprehension and uncertainty around WLTP, with concerns that higher vehicle CO2 figures may lead to an increase in Benefit-in-Kind tax liabilities from 2020,” Pett added.

“While it remains unclear as to whether or not tax thresholds will be adjusted, LightLease offers a solution for drivers who are cautious about committing to a longer-term contract hire agreement.”

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Trackunit an innovator of telematics technology, has announced a partnership with United Rentals, the world’s largest equipment rental company, to provide premium telematics solutions for the United Rentals fleet. The two companies share a commitment to connecting the construction ecosystem through data-driven technology.

“Every investment we make in technology comes down to two criteria: delivering superior value for our customers today, and helping them build a successful future,” said Michael Bierschbach, director of fleet intelligence and technology for United Rentals.

Every investment we make in technology comes down to two criteria: delivering superior value for our customers today, and helping them build a successful future“Trackunit has developed a best-of-breed telematics solution with a global reputation for business intelligence. We’re working together to help United Rentals customers realize greater jobsite productivity, safety, cost management and informed decision-making.”

Trackunit will use its OEM relationships and aftermarket expertise to install Trackunit Manager technology on light and heavy equipment in the United Rentals fleet.

Trackunit Manager features keyless access control for user authentication, preventing unauthorized use of equipment. The software operates on their Iris platform and utilizes Trackunit Go and Trackunit On as mobile applications.

“Our partnership with United Rentals is focused on creating long-term value through a connected jobsite ecosystem,” said Tom Valbak Aardestrup, global vice president of business development for Trackunit. “There is a growing demand in construction for efficiency at every level. Machine connectivity and actionable data are the tools that will take the industry into the future.”

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AD Bly has achieved savings of £100,000 after an investment in technology helped to reduce maintenance bills, improve driver behaviour and slash mileage

The Knebworth-based construction firm has implemented a joint solution combining TomTom Telematics WEBFLEET and FleetCheck to help boost efficiency across its fleet, with consultancy support from TomTom reseller Auto Electrical Services.

The integration of WEBFLEET and FleetCheck means service schedules can be managed based on up-to-date information drawn from the vehicle, including odometer readings. This helps AD Bly to conduct proactive maintenance work, calling vehicles in immediately when work is required to prevent problems from developing.

Meanwhile, improved mileage reporting has also allowed the company to cut down on out-of-hours use of vehicles, helping to reduce the number of miles travelled by around 5,000 over the course of a year. Reports on driving time and mileage per day also help AD Bly take greater control over the safety of staff.

Bringing different data streams together in one place has helped to change the way we work and allow us to gain greater insights into the operation of our fleetAdam Gamlin, Fleet Manager at AD Bly said: “Bringing different data streams together in one place has helped to change the way we work and allow us to gain greater insights into the operation of our fleet. As a result, the transport department is better able to support the growth aims of the wider business.”

AD Bly also targeted driver behaviour as an area of focus across its fleet of two HGVs and 169 LCVs. OptiDrive 360 – a key component of WEBFLEET – provides managers with weekly reports detailing incidences of speeding, harsh steering and harsh braking. This allows them to conduct detailed driver debriefs allowing them to target any performance issues that may have a negative impact on fuel efficiency and safety.

Meanwhile, the drivers themselves receive in-trip feedback and predictive advice, empowering them with the information needed to make positive changes.

Gamlin added: “By unlocking a wealth of data on driving performance, we are now in an even better position to work with our drivers to improve their safety and help the business operate more efficiently. Our employees reacted well to the introduction of the technology and improvements to performance happened very quickly.

“Now, we are quickly able to identify the root causes of any performance issues and address these with individual drivers, providing the support, advice and training needed to help them improve.”

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Research released this week by Verizon Connect has revealed that a quarter of UK commercial drivers are breaching driver guidelines around rest and fatigue.

By UK law, a commercial driver must take a rest break of at least 45 minutes after a maximum of four hours and 30 minutes of driving time.[1] Yet, a quarter of fleet managers admitted that their drivers on average take breaks after five hours or more, breaching the driver guidelines.

The study confirms the challenge fleet managers face to ensure their drivers remain safe and compliant. When asked about the top issues that worry them, 24 percent cited compliance, 23 percent said unsafe driving practices and 13 percent of fleet managers said drivers not taking rest.

Two-thirds of fleet managers (66 percent) have systems in place to help ensure their drivers take required breaksTwo-thirds of fleet managers (66 percent) have systems in place to help ensure their drivers take required breaks. However, 16 percent of them leave it at each driver’s discretion to take appropriate rest, 15 percent ask their drivers about their breaks and 3 percent do not know.

Many fleet managers (46 percent) use a tachograph to automatically record vehicle speed and distance and to keep track of their drivers’ rest periods. While this is the most time-effective approach for fleet managers, it still has its challenges. According to the study, fleet managers said they spend more than three hours a week correcting and following up on drivers’ tachograph mistakes – which adds up to nearly 21 working days, or more than a month, each year. When asked how they would prefer to spend this time instead, looking for ways to reduce costs was the most popular response with 39 percent.

Fleet managers must also keep tachograph data on record for no fewer than 12 months.

Over a third (31 percent) admit non-compliance by failing to download driver data every 28 days and storing the data for less time than they are supposed to (29 percent).

“Fleet managers are frequently under pressure to increase margins, impress their customers and outshine their competitors. However, safety is still priority number one. Our research shows how hard fleet managers have to work to maintain safety and compliance while juggling so many demands,” comments Derek Bryan, Vice President, EMEA, Verizon Connect.

“Simple systems can be put in place to cut down time spent on admin while ensuring compliance and driver safety. By integrating tachograph data with their fleet management system, organisations of any size can improve driver safety, compliance, and productivity. In doing so, managers reclaim time to focus on growing and improving the business.”

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Connected vehicle cameras are having a dramatic impact on the cost and lifecycle of insurance claims according to Intelligent Telematics and Plexus Law, so could save the commercial fleet sector many millions of pounds each year. Following the analysis of 4,000 vehicles fitted with the SureCam 3G forward-facing device, it was found that there was a 50% reduction in average claims costs and a 15% increase in the average speed of resolution when compared to vans and HGVs operating without a camera.

“The clear message to commercial fleet operators is that connected vehicle cameras are proven to make insurance claims cheaper and quicker to resolve,” explains Sam Footer, Partnerships & Marketing Director at Intelligent Telematics. “Understanding who was responsible can quickly be established with immediate access to video footage – avoiding costly 50/50, exaggerated and fraudulent claims – while at fault incidents can be identified and processed rapidly, keeping third-party costs to a minimum.”

The findings show that it is possible to take better control of the claims management process using connected vehicle camerasBy having access to video evidence with supporting vehicle data directly from the scene of a collision is helping insurance claims handlers to make a faster and more accurate liability decision. The findings show that it is possible to take better control of the claims management process using connected vehicle cameras, with rear-end shunts (55%) and collisions while emerging from junctions (43%) seeing the largest reductions in average claims costs.

Tim Short, Head of Motor Practice at Plexus Law commented: “When you consider that the reported average cost of motor property damage and personal injury claims last year was almost £3,000 and £10,000 respectively, there are clear benefits to be had from adopting connected vehicle cameras. By taking advantage of first notification of loss (FNOL) and proactive claims management a commercial fleet operator can make dramatic savings, which will go straight to the bottom line of their business.”

Intelligent Telematics’ SureCam 3G devices are the leading single, dual and multi-camera solutions for vehicle operations, providing increased protection against fraudulent insurance claims, false driving allegations and disputed liability. They use the most sophisticated 3G and 4G technology so that HD footage of any collision, near miss or harsh driving incident is captured and automatically transmitted within moments of it happening. Unlike other systems in the marketplace, the videos and supporting data are uploaded to a secure server network with no user intervention required, making them the only truly effective 3G vehicle cameras for First Notification of Loss (FNOL).

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An innovative fuel and driver management solution from TomTomTelematics and BP has helped logistics specialists Corporate Solutions cut fuel costs by 8.1 percent.

The Birmingham-based company, which provides bespoke temperature controlled and ambient distribution services, introduced BP FleetMove Pro across its 100-strong HGV fleet in June 2017.

The new integrated system combines BP fuel card information with vehicle location, fuel consumption, driver behaviour and vehicle maintenance data from WEBFLEET, TomTom Telematics’ fleet management solution.  This provides full visibility and control over how fuel is being used across the entire fleet in one, easy-to-use interface. 

Instead of checking thousands of individual fuel card transactions manually every year, the company now receives fuel card exception reports Instead of checking thousands of individual fuel card transactions manually every year, the company now receives fuel card exception reports. These highlight at a glance if there is an anomaly that might indicate fraudulent card use, such as when a fuel card transaction and vehicle location do not match.

WEBFLEET’s integral OptiDrive 360 functionality meanwhile – which gives drivers in-cab feedback and advice on a number of key indicators affecting fuel efficiency, including speeding, idling, sudden braking and harsh steering – has helped improve fleet mpg by 9.2 percent.

In addition, weekly fuel consumption reports have highlighted a clear correlation between fuel wastage due to idling and number of accidents, triggering targeted driver training.

“We’re delighted with the results,” says Stuart Payne, Commercial Director at Corporate Solutions. “Combining different streams of data in this way makes everyone’s life easier, helping us to save time and reduce operating costs.”

Further benefits to the company include WEBFLEET alerts that highlight when any of the vehicles’ dashcam cameras are no longer working, helping to plug any evidence gaps for future insurance claims.

Scheduled integration with the incumbent routing and scheduling system means the company will soon be able to send drivers directions to the most appropriate BP stations on each route to help them get the best fuel deals.

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