FRESH APPROACH A STEP CLOSER TO THAT PANACEA

Chris

I can’t believe that I have worked in the tachograph field for 15 years already. My working life since 1983 has always been related to IT in both senior technical and sales roles; I guess this gives me a good vantage point for how the industry has developed. From the days of IBM dominance and countless fruits and vegetables (Apricot, Tulip, Acorn, Tangerine and Apple of course) to the massive growth of PC-based applications and now mobile apps. All these developments have impacted our lives tremendously and predominantly in a positive way.

The field of compliance is therefore no exception with two landmark dates that really thrust the market forward; 2006 with the introduction of the digital tachograph and 2010 with the introduction of remote tachograph downloading. With all data now digital and the potential to automate the process of data collection, there was very little to slow down the uptake of analysis software. You are now unlikely to find a substantial fleet that does not use analysis software.

I have worked with all the key software providers supplying download equipment and automation solutions, and I have seen first-hand the great contribution these companies have made to the availability of data and analysis, resulting ultimately, in safer roads.

So, what else have I noticed since 2008? Well with a thirst for data well and truly whet, companies have naturally been demanding more. Historically; compliance, maintenance, planning, and purchasing have all worked independently with separate software systems, but companies are realising that this has a high cost and risk in security, maintenance, duplication, and loss of efficiency. The panacea is a single system with a single login that can handle all of these tasks.

So, is a single system possible? The answer is not straightforward as all of the required elements are different and have their own complexities. Think of trying to replicate established and complex systems such as Netsuite, Sage, or Quickbooks into your logistics system; this is years of development for a large team so makes no commercial sense.

For software companies it’s not always about reinventing the wheel it’s about the selective integration of value-added services and integrating with other leading software products where appropriate. The drive to a single software solution is however likely to apply pressure on software products that could now be considered too niche, particularly if they have become outmoded.

Taking Aquarius as an example; when I first worked with the team as a supplier in 2009 the offering was focussed on its core roots of compliance but gradually functionality expanded in line with its in-house compliance and technical expertise, to include Walkaround Checks, Document Management, POD, Time and Attendance, Asset Maintenance and eSIGN, which allows drivers to qualify and sign for their infringements on a phone or tablet.

What Aquarius has successfully done is to feed from its well-established customer base to gradually add required functionality at a pace that has allowed the business to adapt. Each new service has new demands and potentially a new audience, so it’s important to put in place the right expertise so as not to alienate existing customers.

Over the years I have noted software companies outside the tachograph analysis field trying to include tachograph analysis within their offering. Compliance is technically difficult to programme and maintain, and therefore requires substantial knowledge and investment. I think that collaboration between software providers is preferable in compliance, as total accuracy is essential when it comes to infringement reporting in particular. Some analysis providers such as Aquarius already include the ability to collect data using APIs for use in other applications.

My takeaway for customers is to consider how you could benefit from the increasing convergence of software.

How much could you reduce subscription charges and maintenance? Think of the benefits of a single repository for all assets and their management. Consider the competitive advantage that could be derived.

Unless your needs are minimal and will remain so, I would always suggest looking at software providers with a strong offering across multiple disciplines as it gets you a step closer to that panacea.

All of this has major advantages for customers as they can start with a single service and gradually add services as they grow in confidence and size. For larger corporates, this approach helps IT departments to create a clear project plan for changeover. Aquarius has also developed integrations with third parties to provide data for their applications, which vary from key telematics providers to accounting systems.

About Chris Cuffe Aquarius has known and worked with Chris for more than 15 years; since his early days at Tachosys when he was the Sales and Marketing Director. Today, using his vast experience of tachographs and software, he works as a freelance consultant alongside the management team at Aquarius.

SHOWED OUT!

Its only July, and we are already three shows down. The team had a great time meeting customers and colleagues at the CV Show, ITT Hub and Road Transport Expo– three completely different shows, with each proving us an opportunity to showcase our integrated software solutions to new audiences. Thanks to everyone who also came to see Marc Caplin present in the CV Show’s ‘Road Ahead’ Theatre where he discussed the new Smart TACHO VERSION 2, and what the arrival of this new technology later this year will mean for operators.

ENJOYING A ROUND WITH EXPORT & FREIGHT

It’s always fun at an Export & Freight event in Ireland, and we were once again proud to support their 10th annual Golf Masters event in June, and keep all their guests (many of our customers) refreshed at the 10th hole.

Optimizing The Future

In April, we were thrilled to support our partners Optimize with their launch and hear all about their aims to reduce fleet carbon emissions. As a company, they help fleets optimise, decarbonise and transform using powerful algorithms based upon artificial intelligence. This is proven to reduce costs, increase productivity and cut emissions. At the launch, Ross Conroy, Head of Research and Development, confirmed the new Optimize algorithm will have the capacity to deal with more complex transport optimisation tasks, delivering improved efficiencies faster.

Rachel Riley MBE (from Countdown) who was recently appointed as their brand ambassador with the aim of driving market reach and brand recognition was also at the launch. As a graduate of applied mathematics, Rachel spoke about the crucial role algorithms play in enabling organisations to be more efficient and to decarbonise.

Motor Transport Announce 2023 Award Finalists

Congratulations to everyone that have been shortlisted for a 2023 Motor Transport Award. We’d also like to give a special mention to our customers who have been shortlisted for an award:

Best Use of Technology - JM Clark Ltd

New Talent Development Stanton Logistics Limited

Operational Excellence - Abbey Logistics Group and JPE Holdings Ltd

Team of the Year - Abbey Logistics Group and Collett & Sons Ltd

Good luck, and we look forward to celebrating all your achievements at the awards ceremony on the 6th of September where as sponsors, we will also be presenting the Service to Industry Award.