Category: Blog

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: The Secret To Boosting Fleet Safety

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: The Secret To Boosting Fleet Safety

Within fleets, technology continues to advance and as a result, drive new benefits. These safety benefits don’t only keep drivers and others safe on the road, but can in fact lower excess costs related to accidents or other driving incidents. At the moment, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are extremely useful and are only growing in popularity as the technology continues to impress fleets of many sizes. Below we discuss how ADAS systems can lead to improved driver safety, less driving incidents, reduced road collisions, and less dangerous accidents. 

 

What Are Advanced Driver Assistance Systems? Who Is Using This Technology?

 

As briefly mentioned, ADAS, or otherwise known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, are innovative technological systems that help drivers not only keep better control of their vehicles, but drive more safely. As mentioned previously ADAS systems are growing in popularity due to safety benefits. However, it is also worth highlighting how many of the advancements of the technology has resulted from research and development into self-driving cars. This is because much of the advancements look towards automating driving systems and reducing the need of human intervention. 

 

Since benefits relate to improving efficiencies and safety, many fleets are implementing ADAS systems in their drivers vehicles. In fact, a recent 2018 survey found that approximately 40% of all fleets (regardless of size) are using some form of ADAS technology, with 74% of larger fleet sizes consisting of 50 or more Class 8 vehicles adopting the technology. 

 

Types Of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Used By Fleets

 

When discussing ADAS systems and fleet use, it’s important to look at the varying ways that fleets of any size can implement the technology. But before diving into the most popular systems, it’s important to note that advanced driver assistance systems can vary from being adaptive, automated, monitoring and warning systems. 

 

Adaptive Systems 

 

An adaptive ADAS system is one that adapts to its surroundings. Meaning that as a vehicle moves throughout an environment, the systems will help provide small adjustments to improve safety. Typically using previously gathered data in relation to its current environmental surroundings. One example of this is the cruise control features in automobiles. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) focuses on using distance sensing technology to detect the space between items or vehicles on the road. In terms of driving, ACC systems focus on using radar or laser sensor technology to not only anticipate the distance of vehicles in front of the automobile it is installed in, but automatically make adjustments in speed to ensure that the proper distance is maintained while driving. 

 

Automated Systems 

 

An automated system is a little more innovative than an adaptive system because it allows for the system to gain control over the vehicle and make adjustments to ensure that safety is met. The system typically takes control of the vehicle when a collision is about to occur. An example of an automated system in vehicles is the automatic emergency braking (AEB) feature. AEB automatically and immediately begins to brake when the vehicle detects that a collision or accident may happen in attempts to avoid it. 

 

Warning Systems 

 

A warning system is exactly what one may assume it to be – a system which alerts drivers of possible risks to safety. This automatic feature consists of in-cab warnings which alert the driver of possible issues in real-time. An example of this is forward collision warning (FCW) which uses real-time data of speed and objects on the road to calculate whether a collision could happen. If the system measures that the distance or angle of an object (including vehicles) ahead could be worrisome at the travelling speed, it will warn the driver of the impending collision. 

 

 

ADAS Technologies Used By Fleets

 

Blind Spot Monitoring 

 

This is an innovative feature that has proven itself to be extremely useful not only in the safety it provides, but its average adoption rate of 77.2%. Blind spot monitoring focuses on using not only cameras, but sensors to monitor the space surrounding a vehicle. The technology monitors for objects that are located in the drivers obstructed view (or otherwise known as the drivers blind spot). When objects are detected in the blind spot, the sensor-based monitor can alert the driver that there is something in the not-easily visible area. Many sensor-based blind spot monitors are now built into vehicles at the factory stage of manufacturing via OEM (original equipment manufacturer) initiatives. OEM blind spot monitoring typically consists of exterior cameras at the side or rear of the vehicle. 

 

Forward Video Monitoring 

 

Forward video monitoring is another beneficial feature to implement within fleets of any size as it provides front-facing footage of drivers on the road. Typically, a dash camera is installed in-cab, on windshields to automatically record what is happening ahead of the vehicle. The device then records footage automatically, and typically only stores footage for a short period of time unless an incident is reported. Video monitoring is extremely useful to help provide proof of driving events, lower risky driving behaviour, coach drivers in real-time on errors of judgement, and even relieve drivers from not-at-fault accidents or crash-for-cash scams. Forward video monitoring has not been completely adopted as it is fairly new with an adoption rate of only 52% (many myths surrounding the telematics device could be to blame). 

 

Lane Departure Warning 

 

Lane departure warning (LDW) focuses on notifying drivers on whether it is safe to make lane movements. LDW utilizes video, laser and sometimes infrared sensors to monitor the lane markings on the road. When the vehicle begins to move out the lane without signaling, it automatically alerts the driver of their (sometimes unknown) movement with audio or visual alerts. This feature is impressive because it not only has an average adoption rate of 51.2% in fleets, but has been expanded to include lane keeping assist (LKA) – the technology that helps to ensure that drivers are staying in their lane by taking control of the vehicle if need be. 

 

 

Air Disc Brakes 

 

Another advanced driver assistance system that is used by fleets are air disc brakes. These brakes are designed to help reduce stopping distance by almost 40% which is extremely attractive for heavy and large trucks (as these types of vehicles often require more time to manually brake). Air disc brakes function by applying braking pressure continuously to allow for the vehicle to come to a complete stop more easily. This technology has an approximate 46.3% adoption rate in fleets. 

 

Collision Avoidance 

 

A wide-ranging category of ADAS technology that has an adoption rate of approximately 44.7% is collision avoidance. While there are numerous collision avoidance technologies, forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) are the most popular. As previously mentioned, both of these avoidance technologies work to decrease the likelihood of driving incidents involving collisions.

 

Adaptive Cruise Control 

 

As previously mentioned, adaptive cruise control or ACC, is a technology which utilizes radar and laser sensor innovation to judge, measure and anticipate the distance between the vehicle being driven, as well as surrounding vehicles. ACC focuses on adjusting the travelling speed according to how close or how far forward the system detects a vehicle to be. This ADAS technology has an adoption rate of 39.8%. 

 

Electronic Stability Control 

 

The ADAS technology with the lowest adoption rate that we will mention is electronic stability control (ESC). ESC utilizes sensors to monitor steering control and proactively watch whether the ability to steer will be lost. If steering is lost (sometimes in extreme maneuvers like sudden or sharp turns to avoid collision), ESC will apply individual brakes automatically. Applying the brakes individually to wheels can help course-correct the vehicles movement and in theory prevent the act of ‘spinning out’. 

 

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

 

While there are numerous solutions available to help fleets, it’s important to highlight a tool that embodies a number of these features in one solution. This tool is the Samsara AI Dash Camera system which utilizes ADAS technology. Now, in addition to the standard Samsara dashcam features that fleets love, the camera solution will also offer the following: 

  • Forward collision warning
  • Unsafe following distance detection
  • Distraction driving detection

 

AI Dashcams With ADAS Technology Benefits

  • Receive multiple ADAS technologies and features in ONE easy-to-install device so you can see real-time results 
  • Lower the frequency of accidents while increasing the training opportunities 
  • Decrease the severity of driving incidents
  • Lower the costs related to accidents, driving incidents, and repairs 

 

 

Interested in learning more about Samsara dash camera solutions and their new innovative features? Contact us today! 

Working With The Right Solutions Provider Can Make All The Difference: CR&R Environmental Services 

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on Working With The Right Solutions Provider Can Make All The Difference: CR&R Environmental Services 

Deploying the right camera solutions can make all the difference and CR&R Environmental Services saw exactly that! 

 

While attending Connect 2020 in San Diego, Asad Khan, Success Manager at GoFleet was able to catch up with Raul Duran to learn about how their fleet was doing after the implementation of an advanced 360 camera system.

 

Interested to learn what questions we asked Raul about the implementation of ZenduCAM cameras and the Trax platform throughout their fleet? Check out the video below: 

What Pain Points Did CR&R Experience Before Engaging GoFleet? 

 

Prior to working with GoFleet, CR&R reported to have driver, safety and training issues. While looking for a new camera solution, their goal was to implement a device that focused on improving all of these pain points. Choosing a reliable solution that allowed for in-cab, rear and front views, CR&R believed that it would help not only the safety and well-being of drivers, but the reporting and dispatching tasks related to their operations.

 

What Was The Impact That CR&R Noticed? 

 

CR&R noticed that there was an overall improvement across their fleet. Not only were drivers completing routes faster by reducing their times, but the solution was noted to help train drivers on how to drive more efficiently. Additionally, the exact location of vehicles was able to be known at all times as the ZenduCAM system allows for better GPS tracking capabilities in addition to both live video and cloud video surveillance. 

 

How Did You Introduce The Camera Solution To Drivers? 

 

While introducing the new camera solutions to drivers, CR&R remained transparent about the devices. Not only did they state the benefits for reporting, tracking and logistics purposes, but they highlighted how the solution can also protect drivers in regards to false claims. Shifting the initial driver concern of the cameras acting as ‘big brother’ tracking them to a critical protection tool. 

 

Their Experience Working With ZenduIT & GoFleet

 

During their time working with GoFleet while using ZenduIT applications, CR&R noted that the service provided was great! The 360 solution that was promised has since met all of their unique needs and has been recognized as being a key factor in making operations smoother and more advanced. With great results, they remain optimistic about continuing to work with GoFleet and ZenduIT in the future as their organization and needs grow. 

 

“GoFleet has been great, they’ve delivered on all promises so far!” – Raul Dran, CR&R Environmental Services 

 

Interested in learning more about CR&R’s success with GoFleet? Check out their success story here: https://stagingms.gofleet.com/crr-success-story

GoFleet Update: Implementing Remote Work Initiatives

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on GoFleet Update: Implementing Remote Work Initiatives

For years, work has typically consisted of employees entering an office to complete their job. However, as technology has advanced to provide consumers with great gadgets or services, it has also advanced to make the workplace more accessible. This speaks to the use of new tools to allow for remote work opportunities to be possible in countless organizations. Recently, due to recent concerns of the COVID-19 outbreak, we felt the need to protect our team and others by encouraging them to participate in social distancing by implementing remote work initiatives. 

 

Remote Working From Home

 

As GoFleet is a provider of tools and technology, we see first-hand how innovation is changing businesses. As part of this, our team has always utilized innovative tools to help us better help our customers. Luckily, this technology has also allowed for remote work to be an option for staff. Investing in portable devices and communication software has previously provided us with the means to always complete the highest level of work, regardless of the task. This includes providing team members with laptop computers, laptop accessories such as headsets or mouses, workflow management systems, as well as internet-based conference meeting accounts.

 

Technology Is Changing And So Are We: Our Remote Work From Home Initiatives 

 

Due to recent events and the spread of COVID-19, the GoFleet team has elevated its remote working policy to protect the health and safety of team members. By making remote work from home a default for our employees, we are doing our part in attempting to stop the spread of the virus through social distancing. As mentioned before, we believe that our innovative nature and the tools that our team has available can help us remain productive while we practice social distancing. 

 

How Our Team Is Staying Productive 

 

Like many other organizations, maintaining productivity and quality work is a top priority during times of remote work. So, prior to encouraging our team to work from home, we did vigorous research to see how else we could help them succeed while they were remotely working. We implemented the following: 

 

  • The act of scheduling regular meetings to maintain communication and reduce isolation or miscommunication 
  • A policy regarding what a proper work environment would consist of – a quiet room that has a clear work space, minimal distractions in addition to a proper internet connection 
  • Clear project deadlines via workflow management systems so work does not fall behind and schedules can be organized accordingly 
  • Open discussions to speak about and address work blockers

 

Since much of the effects that COVID-19 will have on work spaces are still unknown, it is important for organizations to continue to research how they can help their team. Not only by encouraging a safe and healthy workplace, but by providing them with guidance about how they can remain successful at this time.

Do you have some tips for teams who are new to working remotely? Comment below!

Driver Turnover: How Telematics Can Reduce It

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on Driver Turnover: How Telematics Can Reduce It

Just like in any industry, even some of the largest transportation companies encounter turnover. However, in recent years the discussion of employee turnover and the need to counter it has grown due to increasing rates. In 2019, it was reported that in the third quarter, large U.S. fleets saw driver turnover increase by 9% to reach 96%. With such high rates, it shows that fleets must work even harder to encourage employee growth and encourage drivers to stay. Recently, fleets of various sizes are starting to look at how telematics and new technology can help combat high driver turnover. 

 

Telematics Solutions To Reduce High Driver Turnover  

 

With job expectations changing and technology advancing, many have found that telematics could be a solution to combating high driver turnover. 

 

Focusing On Optimization And Task Streamlining 

 

When looking at the transportation industry and the need to reduce employee turnover, it’s important to use new technology to make work more efficient or enjoyable for drivers. One way this is being approached is by employers who are utilizing technology to their advantage. Specifically by implementing and introducing tools to increase productivity and simplify tasks. 

 

For example, using management and automation solutions to reduce much of the repetitive or administrative tasks that drivers must complete. This can be seen through electronic logging devices (ELDs) like the Geotab Drive ELD that automatically records and produces logs about driving history or even solutions like ZenduWork that quickly optimizes dispatching routes and allows for work orders to be completed electronically. When tasks are simple to complete, many drivers could begin to feel efficient and happy with fewer challenges to overcome. 

 

Focusing On Training And Support 

 

Another approach to combating driver turnover is maintaining a workplace that focuses on boosting employee skills. Specifically by ensuring that drivers will always be provided with new training opportunities and coaching support to ensure they’re driving safely. When this option is available many drivers can feel a sense of connection and positive morale as they see their employer wanting to help them succeed! Thus, prompting a satisfied (and more skilled) workforce! This is seen by implementing software solutions such as ZenScore, an interactive training dashboard that encourages safe and efficient driving habits throughout fleets. The solution allows fleet managers to not only create and set up training modules to boost skill and learning but can act as a tool for measuring KPIs and productivity automatically and electronically. 

 

Focusing On Rewards And Culture 

 

The final approach that many fleets are taking to attempt to reduce driver turnover is offering rewards and maintaining a positive workplace culture. As many drivers can be on the road alone for hours or even days, it’s important to keep their work morale high! Forgoing this may result in drivers feeling disconnected, unmotivated or even unwilling to stay with the company. To help combat each of these issues, some fleet managers are doing the following:

 

  • Measuring KPIs and coordinating friendly competitions that offer rewards to those who meet and excel past set criteria. For example, holding weekly or monthly contests that reward the driver who speeds the least. 
  • Offering additional paid time-off, increased pay wages or gift card bonuses for drivers who are going above and beyond driving expectations. For example, rewarding the safest driver each quarter with some sort of incentive. 
  • Encouraging social connection and positive culture with drivers on the road by organizing company events so they feel part of a team. 

 

For many fleet managers, they could be feeling pressure to change their workplace in order to try to combat any high driver turnover that they may be facing. In times like this, it’s critical to implement the right processes and procedures to keep drivers happy, productive and satisfied with their current position. As you have read, in some circumstances technological solutions can help with this. If you’re interested in learning how certain telematics solutions such as electronic logging devices, ZenScore, or ZenduWork may be able to positively influence your fleet, contact us today! 

Choosing the Best Commercial Vehicle Camera Systems For Your Fleet

Posted on | by Victoria Gole

Most fleet managers have had a driver get into an accident at some point and dealing with the fallout can be maddening. It’s often difficult to know exactly what happened, and fleet managers want to trust their driver’s explanation, but that can be difficult to do in light of competing evidence.

The best thing for any fleet manager is to have eyes on the situation.
Luckily, there’s ZenduCAM; a commercial vehicle camera system that can address this problem. ZenduCAM integrates Smartwitness and MyGeotab to provide a flawless dual dash cam with GPS.

SmartWitness is a British company that utilizes technology it has developed in the UK, USA, and South Korea to lead the world in designing and manufacturing in-vehicle cameras. The company claims its equipment is in 200,000 vehicles around the world, driving 35 million miles per day. SmartWitness cameras have 170 degrees field of view to capture the entire front and peripheral views of a vehicle, and additional cameras can be installed to capture driver behavior and blind spots. The cameras can include microphones for audio recording to record driver behavior and the cameras also operate automatically and are resistant to tampering.

How do vehicle camera systems work?

The SmartWitness commercial vehicle camera system can be integrated with numerous other systems, including brakes, reverse, horns, taxi meters, stop arms, door locks, and more. GoFleet integrates SmartWitness cameras with the Geotab telematics system in order to maximize their benefits. Geotab utilizes GPS sensors to provide second-by-second tracking of a vehicle, including when the ignition is turned on, the trip distance and time, driving speed, and time spent idling. GoFleet collects all this data into one easy-to-use interface to give fleet managers a clear picture of what is happening at any given time, and that includes integrating the Geotab data with any number of other monitoring systems.

 

Integrated Vehicle CCTV Systems

Our integrated commercial vehicle camera system allows fleet managers to monitor fleet activity via live video streaming in desktop browser or mobile device. The cameras record the events surrounding an accident and that footage can be integrated with data from other sensors, in particular speed and braking. The combined data can usually clearly show who is at fault. This can protect against false accusations and fraudulent insurance claims.

ZenduCAM helps with a lot more than just accidents. The commercial vehicle camera system can be set to record entire the time before and after certain events. Examples of negative events that a fleet manager may want to record include speeding, idling, hard acceleration, and harsh braking. Fleet managers can set rules, like a maximum speed limit, and anytime those rules are violated the ZenduCAM system can automatically send footage of the violation to the fleet manager’s attention. This can greatly reduce disputes between drivers and managers. For example, a driver might claim that he was speeding just to pass another driver that was driving unsafely slow. The footage of the speeding event will usually either confirm or disprove the driver’s story. This video collected on driver behavior can be used to both proactively coach good driver behavior or be used to discipline bad drivers.

State of Utah Police Fleet: A Case Study

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on State of Utah Police Fleet: A Case Study

The Need To Improve Vehicle Utilization 

For fleets to function seamlessly and efficiently, telematics solutions should be used. And that’s exactly what the State of Utah did when they found that they were struggling to follow specific state and federal guidelines that depict how equipment and vehicles should be used.

 

The Needs of the State of Utah Police Fleet

  • Overall fleet reporting 
  • Measuring vehicle utilization 
  • Tracking on-duty and off-duty vehicle use
  • Monitoring driving behaviour 
  • Ensuring drivers are running code and following policy 
  • Maintaining accurate historical data 

 

The Solution: Geotab IOX Integrations 

The State of Utah utilized Geotab’s IOX integrations to address all of these concerns. Specifically they utilized Driver ID with NFC technology (IOX-NFCREADER), light monitoring and siren usage (IOX-AUXM), and seat belt tracking. 

 

If you’re interested to learn more about the State of Utah’s primary challenges, the solutions they used, or the results they saw, check out Geotabs case study here: The State of Utah 

Common IoT Frustrations After Implementing New Technology

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on Common IoT Frustrations After Implementing New Technology

When a business adopts a new technology or tries a new strategy, sometimes the change can provoke frustration. This is because some employees may struggle to see the value in the change or employees may prefer to complete work the way they’ve always known. However, it’s important to remember that new technology is critical for businesses that are looking to grow as it drives new levels of success. So with this being said, managers must do everything they can to ensure a smooth transition of adopting new technology. When discussing the adoption of IoT solutions, managers must do what they can to limit common IoT frustrations among their teams.

 

Common IoT Frustrations & Possible Solutions

 

Having New Quantities of Data

When new IoT solutions are deployed, businesses can struggle and become frustrated about what to do with the vast quantities of data that they now have. This frustration is amplified when there is no guidance or direction as teams can become overwhelmed or unsure of their work. So whenever a business implements a new technology, it is always recommended for management to take advantage of the training and support available. Regardless of if managers feel as though their team can do so without it, having additional guidance about how to use the tool can help ensure that employees are not only using it properly but using it to its fullest potential.

 

Service Interruptions and Outages

When it comes to the service of your IoT solutions, there are concerns that there will be a lack of service with the technology. This comes from the fear that with any new computerized tool, there could be periods where it just doesn’t work. While this is a common IoT frustration that many could encounter for various reasons, it’s critical for businesses to do what they can to keep this frustration at a minimum. This includes managers or decision-makers to do their due diligence and research the company they’re about to work with. This will ensure that businesses are working with a service provider who is known to have uninterrupted service, generally fast log times and quick customer service response times.

 

Lack of Acceptance

One final frustration that many companies face is the frustration of team members not being open to adopting new tools. As many teams prefer to stick to routines, sometimes it can make implementing new technology difficult. And when teams are reluctant to take on new ways of working, it can make it that much harder for management to run departments or for organizations to grow. So management should always be encouraging and transparent about what the technology can do for employees and the company as a whole. Often, this can help encourage acceptance.

For example, at first, the implementation of new digital form solutions like ZenduForms may not be widely accepted by employees as it can appear to be more of a hassle to learn. However, after the right training is completed and employees are shown how it can help them and the company, it is likely that it will be more widely accepted. Interested to learn more about how ZenduForms could benefit your business? Contact our sales team to learn more today!

Every business will feel growing pains at some point, especially when new tools are continuously introduced. However, it’s important to anticipate such frustrations related to the new tools and for managers to do what they can to limit them. Not only does this require management to ensure that the proper training is completed when a new IoT tool is introduced and to be enthusiastic for the growth it could allow, but to do their due diligence while researching the success of the service provider. Keeping these three IoT frustrations and solutions in mind will not only make the transition to innovation easier, but will help ensure success rather than failure.

Telematics Helping Businesses Go Paperless

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on Telematics Helping Businesses Go Paperless

There are numerous benefits that businesses notice once they implement tech-focused initiatives that either reduce the use of paper or allow them to go paperless entirely. In addition to being environmentally beneficial, businesses often find that a paperless office can drastically improve their processes. Specifically, businesses have highlighted that paperless telematics solutions have helped to increase data reliability in addition to ensuring efficiency and accurate reporting.

 

Greater Numerical Reliability 

As one can imagine, technology allows for improved documentation and record-keeping since there is a reduced chance of human error. This is true with telematics solutions once they are adopted. As telematics solutions are typically designed to automate data gathering, precise specifications can be predetermined and replicated on an ongoing basis. Meaning, the same information will always be accurately gathered without the use of physical paper. When a business is able to go paperless by using a telematics solution, they no longer have to worry about human error that could affect the accuracy of data.

One example of this is within the trucking and logistics sector which used to require drivers to manually fill out paper logbooks of their driving activity. Doing so wouldn’t only leave their records open to human error as previously discussed, but some drivers have in the past been known to falsify records to allow them to complete more deliveries. As a result, telematics solutions such as electronic logging devices (ELDs) have been introduced in regulations. Ultimately allowing drivers and fleets to go paperless which as a result, combats false records and incorrect data entry. 

 

Limiting Wastefulness

When businesses switch to using an innovative telematics solution, typically, the environmental benefits are not stressed as much. However, since the impact that businesses have upon the environment continues to remain a popular topic, it’s important to highlight that going paperless by using telematics solutions can help reduce wastefulness. Specifically, employees are able to forgo using paper entirely as all of their work and information is recorded electronically.

This benefit is noticed within any office environment as teams no longer have to record data physically on paper documents to then input the information in a database. Telematics solutions are able to pull the information automatically and electronically, to then display it on any computer or smartphone device. Allowing employees to no longer have to use wasteful amounts of paper to be able to share or show information.

 

Praising Cloud Storage 

Telematics solutions are also praised for the technology’s cloud connectivity. As mentioned previously, telematics solutions automatically pull and organize data that is relevant to a company. However, this goes one step further to reducing the use of paper as this information can be pulled and stored electronically. No longer are businesses required to keep physical paper copies of documents or reports, rather they use devices to view and analyze the information.

An example of this is how a small contracting business must keep tedious records of all of their contracting jobs. Ensuring that any customer or invoice inquiries can be completed or reviewed with accuracy and ease. This can include reassurance of accurate billing or arrival times, documentation of parts used or work completed and even the individual who attended and their notes on-site. Without a telematics solution, all of this information would be hard to review as it would likely be kept physically on paper in offices. Limiting who can have physical access to it.

 

How Your Business Can Go Paperless and Enter The Digital Era 

If your business would like to go paperless by incorporating a tech-focused approach, contact us today! We have a number of resources and solutions available that allow for all of these benefits to be seen and more! Whether you’re looking to incorporate intelligent dispatching through ZenduWork, create digital forms with ZenduForms, or complete web-based maintenance management with ZenduMaintenance, we’re confident that we have a solution as unique as your business!  

Happy Holidays, See You In 2020!

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on Happy Holidays, See You In 2020!

From our family to yours, we want to take a moment to wish you a safe and happy holiday! 2019 was a great year, and now that the year is done, we’re excited to say that 2020 will be even better! Since we have a number of innovative and exciting projects coming down the pipeline, here is our reminder to keep an eye out for us! 

 

What To Watch For: 

  • We have a new partnership that we’re excited to announce! While we can’t tell you the name of the information technology and services giant who we’ll be working with quite yet, we can confirm that it will allow us to expand our offerings! 
  • We are also planning to setup some new content programs that will go into motion in the first quarter of 2020. So if you’d like to stay updated on industry news or anything telematics related, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!
  • Keep an eye out for ongoing product updates and changes! Since the telematics sector is constantly changing, we’re anticipating that in 2020 we’ll not only continue to offer the great hardware and software solutions that we have now, but we’ll do what we can to better our inventory.

 

Like always, if you have any questions about our solutions, or how our offerings can help your business grow, contact us today!

 

Interested to stay in-touch and up-to-date in the new year? Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter (scroll down and fill out your email) and follow us on social!

Using An AOBRD? It’s Time To Migrate To ELDs Now!

Posted on | by Anna | Leave a Comment on Using An AOBRD? It’s Time To Migrate To ELDs Now!

The transportation sector seems to have become an ever changing industry as regulations and the technology required continues to advance. With this being said, while there are many who embrace these changes by staying up to date with telematics and regulations, some still choose to wait before they implement any changes. When it comes to using an electronic logging device (ELD) or an automatic onboarding recording device (AOBRD), individuals within the industry no longer have a choice about switching. Instead, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) are now strictly enforcing the new regulations and technologies. 

Said regulations focus on favouring electronic logging devices while phasing out automatic onboarding recording devices. This change means that drivers and fleet managers will need to check which device they use and possibly update it if it does not meet the new guidelines. To be specific, if an AOBRD was installed prior to December 18, 2017, the vehicle will have until June 21, 2021, to switch to an ELD. However, if the vehicle was not using AOBRDs previous to December 2017, the must switch to ELDs must be made by December 16, 2019. 

 

Benefits Of Switching From An AOBRD To An ELD 

Regardless of when you installed a recording device, if it’s not an ELD, you will need to update your device at some point in the future. With this being said, why not install an electronic logging device sooner rather than later? By doing so, we’re confident that you’ll be able to see noticeable benefits such as reduced stress, better management and cost savings. 

 

Reduced Stress 

When fleets transition from AOBRDs to ELDs well before their transition deadline, managers and drivers can expect to feel less stress. This is specific to individuals not having to worry about the possibility of not being compliant with new regulations and facing consequences that not only halt work, but can cost them thousands.

The consequences of not complying are: 

  • Expensive fines,
  • Drivers being placed OOS (Out-Of-Service),
  • Additional paperwork,
  • And even lowered CSA scores. 

As well, it’s worth highlighting that new ELDs often come with innovative solutions to make management easier. Meaning, managers and owners can better organize their fleet to boost productivity and reduce administrative tasks as reports can be automated. 

 

Better Management 

As previously mentioned, ELDs provide fleet managers with better management possibilities. Specifically, managers can better organize their fleets to essentially increase productivity and boost efficiency. This is due to the mass amounts of data that electronic logging devices collect in comparison to automatic onboarding recording devices. For example, when a fleet uses ELDs, drivers could be notified of maintenance checks that are predicted by forecasts, provided best transportation routes based on road conditions, and even have two-way communication with their managers while on the road. 

 

Cost Savings 

Transitioning your fleet from automatic onboarding recording devices to electronic logging devices can bring numerous financial benefits as well. While the upfront cost of this new technology may seem daunting for some, in the long term, fleet managers can save money. Not only are drivers automatically eliminating the possibility of being fined as they are compliant, but fleet managers can better organize or manage their fleets (as briefly mentioned) to maximize profits. So again, drivers will take the fastest routes, better maintain their vehicles to reduce repair downtime, and even automate automotive reporting duties.

 

How Automatic Onboarding Recording Devices And Electronic Logging Devices Differ 

  • While AOBRDs do collect data, ELDs collect more information on a grander scale such as vehicle condition and driver behaviour. 
  • ELDs are able to complete simple data transferring as they can harness wireless web, email, USB2.0 and Bluetooth capabilities. 
  • ELDs allow for increased monitoring as they automatically record driving time once the vehicle begins moving or is idling. 
  • Editing or history changes require annotations while using an ELD to better provide more information about the trip. 
  • Alert notifications are made if there is a fault code or malfunction recognized by the ELD in use. 

 

Your AOBRD To ELD Checklist

     Do Your Research

You may find that certain devices will better suit your needs now and in the future as your company grows. This means finding an ELD that is third-party certified and works for any vehicle. 

Remember, when it comes to ELDs, you’re making an investment in the growth of your company!

     Complete The Proper Training

While installation is fairly straightforward, it’s critical to train your team properly if you would like your ELD to truly benefit your company. This includes training your office team and managers in how to use the device, as well as your drivers.

     Installation

Confirm that every commercial vehicle that meets the criteria stated in the ELD mandate has the device properly installed. As well, ensure that your team has the correct software installed on their devices so they can take advantage of the solutions.

     Stay Up-To-Date

Ensure you’re using your device to its fullest potential by staying on top of industry news and software updates. Sometimes users can overlook major features or updates as they’re simply not aware of how it can help them!

Still looking for another incentive to switching your fleet from using an AOBRD to an ELD? Keep reading! 

We understand that the upfront cost of transitioning can sometimes deter managers from switching, however we have a promotion to help! 

Get a Free GO Device & Harness with our ELD Promotion that runs until December 16, 2019 – save hundreds for your fleet! 

If you’re interested in learning more about this promotion, check it out!