Fleet software in the news
FLEET MANAGERS REAP BENEFITS OF WEB-BASED IT REVOLUTIONIT literate fleet decision-makers are waking up to the fact that today’s hi-tech vehicle management systems can seamlessly interact with other internal and external software to dramatically improve operating effectiveness and efficiency.
Sophisticated web-based software developments means that fleet operators in charge of both cars and commercial vehicles no longer need to manually input every item of fleet information from a driver’s name to a model’s numberplate and from a fuel purchase to a vehicle service.
Instead, computers using a common language, for example .NET and XML, seamlessly populate systems in real-time ensuring up-to-the-minute accurate management information, according to Jason Francis, managing director of fleet software and occupational road safety experts Jaama.
Speaking at this year’s Institute of Car Fleet Management annual members’ conference held today (Tuesday, November 14) at Toyota’s Burnaston plant, he said: “Fleet decision-makers are becoming increasingly software savvy and they understand the importance of choosing technology that can fully integrate with systems operated by external suppliers and other company departments, such as HR, payroll and finance, and can also be accessed by drivers.
“Only five years ago fleet managers still had to manually enter virtually every single piece of fleet relevant information. This was not only time consuming and administratively cumbersome, but could be prone to mistakes. Additionally, the way data was stored meant it was difficult to monitor, measure and compare and contrast the performance of individual drivers and vehicles effectively.”
Today, data and information feeds from contract hire and leasing suppliers, daily rental companies, fuel management operators, fast-fit organisations and residual value suppliers, for example, can update fleet management systems along with information supplied by drivers - mileages, expense claims and working hours - and information from other departments on, for example, new starters, employee promotions and changes in driver circumstances.
One beneficiary is Claire Walker, compensation and benefits manager at mobile phones provider Caudwell Logistics. The company operates a fleet of more than 1,300 cars and also has over 300 cash allowance drivers.
She said: “Technology has transformed the management of our fleet as we have moved online from a paper-based system. We are saving many hours in administration time every month as well as thousands of pounds in overall costs and have cut invoice queries from 150 a month to zero.
“We used to have more than 30 spreadsheets covering every aspect of the fleet. It was a nightmare inputting fleet data and also updating staff changes that had originated in HR. Our move to web-based software has reduced an almost impossible workload and all departments, including HR and payroll are benefiting.
“The technology is also enabling us to capture more information on our fleet so we can be far more proactive and analytical in our management. That will improve operating efficiencies and ultimately reduce costs still further.”
Another company to benefit is Abingdon-based Smeg UK, a leading supplier of prestige domestic appliances, which operates a leased fleet of 24 company cars and 14 HGV’s.
Smeg UK’s assistant accountant Nicola Waite, who is also the company’s fleet manager, explained: “Before Jaama, all information on vehicles and drivers had to be logged on paper and the data had to be inputted manually into spreadsheets. Information had to be written out more than once and there was considerable duplication on files.
“That was a huge administration task. But, the problems increased if I was asked to provide information on either a vehicle or a driver as the only way I could find it was by trawling through reams of files and spreadsheets. It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep track of all aspects of the fleet.
“Instead of ferreting through paper trying to find information I now have my finger on the fleet operation pulse. The technology has contributed to all-round fleet and time-saving efficiencies.”
Jaama’s Key2 Vehicle Management system and for sub-250 vehicle fleets its FleetAssistant software, is at the centre of the technology revolution. Mr Francis said: “The technology is now available and today’s forward-thinking fleet operators can utilize it to their advantage to maximize fleet effectiveness. In turn the management information they can supply to their bosses on every facet of fleet functionality has never been more detailed or more accurate.
“Historically, fleet managers may have believed that the advance of technology would leave them without a job. This is far from the truth as the technology revolution enables fleet decision-makers to be far more strategic in their job and less process-driven.”
For further details visit www.jaama.co.uk
PR Contact details:
Ashley Martin
Ashley Martin Communications
Tel: 01733 390691, 07801 434338
Email: ashley.martin32@btopenworld.com
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About Jaama
Jaama is a fleet software and occupational road safety specialist. As a certified Microsoft® development partner, Jaama uses the latest technology to provide customers with greater integration, control and automation. It brings innovative vehicle management software to fleet operators, contract hire and leasing companies. And Jaama is the first to combine fleet management software and risk management services to help customers meet their driver health and safety responsibilities under occupational road safety regulations.
http://www.jaama.co.uk
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