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Using telematics data to track fleet vehicles can be a valuable tool for fleet managers, with the analytics technology providing a wealth of information to help with the day-to-day running of operations. One of the most important aspects of this is the ability to identify good and bad driver behaviours in order to offer targeted training and increase profits across the company. Bad Driving Costs Money It is estimated that bad driving habits cost the transport industry many millions of pounds every year, but by understanding how a driver's "style" impacts several issues, including fuel consumption, environmental factors, safety and vehicle wear and tear, fleet managers can tailor their training programmes to focus on specific needs. Making the move to utilising telematics data to its fullest potential in this way can result in vast improvements in productivity and profitability. Identifying and Tracking Driver Behaviour There are many ways in which driver behaviour can be monitored by using telematics data to tell the story, and the analytics of this data can be used to determine the cost in terms of fuel consumption and wear and tear on vehicles. Key behaviours to consider include (but are not limited to) the following: • Speeding • Harsh braking (also primary and secondary brake usage) • Idling • Over-revving • Coasting • Harsh cornering • Use of cruise control • Fuel usage (use of green band driving) Targeting Driver Training By using telematics data to determine a driving style with reference to the above issues, most drivers can be grouped into "bands", ranked from those who consistently perform at an optimal standard, to those who display persistently poor driving behaviours. Identifying an individual driver's ranking allows fleet managers to target specific training programmes to those who need it and, in extreme cases, can even afford a vital insight into those who may need to be relieved of driving duties altogether. Access to real-time data from vehicles enables you to quickly identify any concerns and act on them. For instance, issues like speeding, harsh cornering and excessive braking can be addressed immediately with instant feedback from a device positioned in the cab. The device not only flags up infringements or unsafe practices, but also offers advice on how to correct such behaviour or drive more efficiently. This kind of "digital co-pilot" acts as a deterrent to conscious bad habits, as well as having an immediate and positive effect on fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear. Making drivers aware and accountable for their actions through targeted training programmes enables them to have a hand in driving company profits and in their own personal growth. By furnishing employees with a mobile app that affords instant access to their own driving data, they're able to establish good habits and take ownership of their performance. Performance Equals Profits By using telematics data to assess the fleet's performance on an individual basis, managers are able to provide targeted training and also use the extra time gained to focus on other core activities. But in order to ensure that productivity and profits are enhanced to an optimal standard, a commitment to this kind of technology must be implemented across the entire organisation. Author Plate Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day courier jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Connecting professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Courier Exchange providesa valuable service, updating members with the latest information on issues affecting road safety, fuel costs, technology, telematics data and other news from the industry. Over 4,800 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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