Capital Equipment News July 2017

It is important for fleet managers to get the data that is relevant to their business out of the fleet management system.

AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO FLEET MANAGEMENT SHOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST FOLLOWING SERVICES

The remarketing of off-fleet vehicles

An optimal replacement policy

Renewal of licences and the allocation of traffic fines

Utilisation management through telemetry

Vehicle selection

Purchase management

Maintenance (including service and tyres)

Fuel management

with on a regular basis. “Because these devices communicate and with the use of systems such as BlueLink, which Investec Import Solutions created and uses, customers are able to track their shipment and see the expected delivery time and can be alerted if there are any delays, providing them with any necessary information they need that can help mitigate any risk that may happen and prevent any undesired outcomes,” says Orlin. Orlin adds that the adoption of this technology in the logistics landscape is being embraced more often than not. “Businesses in the logistics industry have this type of technology, which is offered to their customers at no additional cost,” he says. The case of logistics Orlin says in the import industry, IoT is able to improve customer service through the use of technology to track shipments and provide information to the customer

on where and when their shipment is and when it will arrive. Investec Import Solutions is a premium import and working capital specialist in South Africa and a pioneer in providing fully-integrated import solutions through bespoke systems and patented processes. The company reasons that with the rise of IoT, big data and cloud technology is being incorporated into the transport and logistics sector as there is a growing need for instant and efficient customer service. Consumers are also becoming accustomed to instant connectivity and receiving any information they need, and it is for this reason that many are turning to tracking technology to ensure this is able to happen. “In the import process, tracking technology is being used to improve customer service by tracking shipments and providing information to the customer on where and when their shipment is and when

it will arrive. Additionally, it enables them to pull data from their shipment history for reporting processes as well as manage their supplier performance. This is all achievable through vehicles and shipment containers being connected with sensors that share the data instantly,” says Orlin. Orlin says from a business point of view, the logistics industry understands the importance of using tracking technology as it has many benefits that translate into ROI and customer satisfaction. “However, knowing this doesn’t always translate to businesses implementing the solution, there might be some internal challenges that might outweigh the prospects of investing in such technology,” says Orlin. “Innovative changes like these come with a lot of research from redesigning the way the business operates digitally, figuring out what you want your system to do and what your customers will get out of the system (more value for their money)

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