Page 25 - Logistics News - May June 2022

C OMMUNIC AT ION T E C HNOL O GY

can also be costly for businesses, especially considering As a result, fleet managers don’t need to wonder
that even the best-planned schedule or route might need whether jobs have been completed, what the ETAs
to be adjusted when the unexpected hits. are for the following location or whether a driver has
completed a specific job, which improves customer
For example, suppose a business relies on cell phones satisfaction, can increase billable hours or reduces
to communicate with drivers. Those drivers could miss overtime.
notifications about a route or schedule change because
of a sudden hail storm or even protest action along their Businesses that manage fleets across multiple
way. This could lead to delivery delays or damage to the provinces can use these systems to simultaneously
vehicle and its cargo. alert all vehicles in one specific location about traffic
updates, schedule changes and weather events,
Additionally, relying on cell phones would require allowing them to provide accurate ETAs to customers.
the fleet manager to pick up the phone and dial several They can then manage customers’ expectations
different mobile numbers individually and perhaps only effectively while reducing wear and tear and the
get through to a few drivers because of a lack of network likelihood of drivers working overtime.
coverage.
By optimising these day-to-day operations,
Thankfully, digital technology now allows fleet businesses will benefit from long-term savings.
managers to communicate with drivers more safely and For example, given that petrol and diesel prices
effectively, whether they’re managing one or 100 drivers are expected to increase substantially in June,
on the road. For instance, digital solutions like Driver fleet managers running 10 or more deliveries a day
Terminal sit on the driver’s dashboard and read messages can determine the fastest routes for drivers and
from the fleet manager aloud. That means the driver communicate these updated routes effectively, which
doesn’t need to pull over to check the new instructions or will reduce fuel costs.
compromise their safety by taking their eyes off the road –
allowing them to maintain both productivity and safety. South African businesses no longer have an excuse
to rely on cell phones to communicate with drivers. The
Fleet managers can also use this technology to digitise sector now has an even more comprehensive range of
drivers’ job cards and send clear instructions straight safer and cost-effective digital technologies that can L O GI S T I CS NEWS
to a group of drivers. This allows them to optimise provide a competitive advantage to companies and
each driver’s tasks and routes and share the updates eliminate the distraction of using mobile devices while
electronically with the drivers on duty. driving. •

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