Fleet software in the press
Fleet Management - February 2006 Computers need a common language
Computers need a common language
MODERN businesses run on computing power, and technology also holds the key to creating a successful pan-European fleet operation.
With the correct design, systems to run pan-European fleets can be at the heart of ensuring companies operate a common policy and make it much easier to collate running costs onto a single reporting line.
But attempts by international companies to launch effective pan-European fleet operations are being scuppered simply because computers aren't talking the same language. Different data standards are the main stumbling block and have caused major headaches for a number of companies trying to launch cross-border fleet operations. This doesn't just apply to internal company systems. Suppliers also need to be able to provide information that the software can recognise and automatically integrate into reports.
Pan-European software firm cfc solutions reports that fleets hoping to integrate fleet software systems across all the countries in which they operate often find computers cannot easily 'talk' to each other. Modern fleet management systems might have to 'speak' to more than a dozen external suppliers, ranging from dealers and service outlets to fuel card providers, leasing firms and insurance companies.
A cfc spokesman said: 'That can sometimes mean a dozen different data formats. If data is not stored in a standard way, it means that your software and every external system with which it communicates will be potentially speaking a different language. 'Like a roomful of people speaking in different languages, translation and understanding is still possible, but the process is slower and much more prone to error.
As a result, the firm claimed, companies may only be achieving 60% of the efficiencies that they hoped for from using a pan-European fleet system. Fleet software companies can provide solutions, however, and there is no shortage of choice, especially with companies eyeing Eastern Europe for expansion. Already automotive industry data and software provider International Decision Systems has revealed plans for major expansion in Europe, particularly in helping leasing firms create integrated European systems.
Pan-European growth is also at the heart of a five-year expansion plan announced by software company cfc solutions. Software company Chevin Fleet Solutions is also targeting the Eastern European fleet marketfor growth. It recently produced a Czech-language version of its software packages FleetWave and RoadBASE. Drive Software Solutions is also enjoying success in Europe. A spokesman said: 'We have got quite a lot of people interested in looking at pan-European solutions. Other software suppliers include Bynx, whose customers include blue-chip companies who are themselves atthe forefront of their industry sectors.
Jaama offers an internet-based, multi-currency multi-lingual solution for managing pan European fleet operations and Fleet Technique offers a range of software solutions. Another leading European software company, Sofico, has created the virtual leasing company, using its Miles software package, which aims to seamlessly link fleet managers with all their suppliers and their leasing company.
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