So says Jaama, which adds that it is absolutely vital that robust management policies and procedures are put in place to deal with any exceptions.
The firm’s comments come in response to the BVRLA’s recent “Fleet Technology White Paper’”, which says: ‘The drip of new automotive technology is threatening to turn into a torrent, because vehicle manufacturers, technology giants, telecommunications companies and governments have woken up to its potential to create new business models and tackle some of the most difficult transport issues – congestion, emissions and road safety.’
Jaama managing director Martin Evans responded: ‘Traditional fleet management information and data gleaned via in-vehicle devices such as telematics and mobile apps is typically poles apart. The different technologies all have their place, however, fleet decision-makers need to start with defining their business objectives before deciding what solution to implement. Employers must also be fully prepared with how they will handle exceptions identified if they decide to obtain telematics data.’
He added ‘The flood of information from in-vehicle devices could swamp fleet managers. In-vehicle devices deliver information, but then fleet operators in conjunction with other departmental managers must decide what to do with the data.’
It is still easier, said Evans, to use information gleaned via so-called connected vehicles to manage commercial vehicle drivers rather than company car drivers.
He explained: ‘Telematics information is hugely sensitive and it is likely to be easier to use when managing commercial vehicle drivers, many of whom are employed to drive a van or an HGV, rather than business managers who are entitled to a company car as part of their employment package. Will high flying executives want to be micro managed regarding their driving habits? Information is great to have, but it needs to be carefully and sensitively managed.’
He concluded: ‘Good fleet management is about having a robust level of information that enables strategic decisions to be made. Information from connected cars can pro-actively help with vehicle and driver decision-making, but those decisions can’t be made in isolation.’
