Following telematics implementation in the fleet six months ago, Kwik Fit has reported a 8% saving on fuel bills as a result of technicians adopting a smoother and safer style of driving when at the wheel of the Mobile units.
Additionally, average fuel economy across the Mobile fleet has increased from 22mpg to 25mpg – a 13% improvement partly as a result of safer driving, but also due a reduction in vehicle idling, which is also monitored.
The saving builds on improvements made in the preceding two years when economy increased from 17mpg to 22mpg after Kwik Fit started to publish fuel consumption data on a van-by-van basis following introduction of "track and trace" vehicle technology.
Introduction of the Telogis telematics technology has initially focused on using data recorded by the in-vehicle systems to influence driver behaviour and reduce fleet operating costs.
'We have witnessed a dramatic reduction in speeding, harsh braking and acceleration by technicians who have improved their driving style as a consequence of being monitored,' commented Simon Lucas, Kwik Fit fleet operations director.
'The data that we are able to download enables any issues to be discussed with individual drivers and we can show the evidence to them because management reports are available.'
The importance of on-road driver behaviour is installed within staff key performance indicators (KPIs) and that, said Mr Lucas, had encouraged adoption of a more considerate driving style in respect of other road users. When the technology identifies an "unsafe manoeuvre", for example harsh braking or acceleration, drivers receive an in-cab warning.
Kwik Fit anticipates a range of other fleet operating benefits to accrue including reduced service, maintenance and repair costs on a range of friction items. It is also witnessing a reduction in the number of low-speed "dings and dents" to vehicles.
Using real-time vehicle tracking will enable driver/vehicle location and technician workload to be monitored with dispatchers automatically allocating new jobs to a Mobile unit as they are received from customers.
Additionally, next year Kwik Fit expects to launch its Mobile Control Centre Application which, when integrated with the Telogis telematics technology, will further aid Mobile van route optimisation and identify increased opportunities to accommodate tyre repair and replacement work at short notice, thus further boosting customer service.
In congratulating Kwik Fit on its accreditation, Mark Cartwright, head of vans at the Freight Transport Association, said: 'Van Excellence represents what good looks like in terms of van operations. We are delighted to recognise the excellent compliance standard demonstrated by Kwik Fit’s mobile service and have therefore awarded it Van Excellence accreditation.'