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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
JULY 2017
13
It is important for fleet managers to get the data that is relevant to their business out of the fleet
management system.
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)
AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO FLEET MANAGEMENT SHOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST FOLLOWING SERVICES
Vehicle selection
Purchase management
Maintenance (including service
and tyres)
Fuel management
Utilisation management
through telemetry
Renewal of licences and the
allocation of traffic fines
An optimal replacement policy
The remarketing of off-fleet
vehicles