Fleet management software

Graham Larkin, plant manager for the JV companies building the Metro.

“The FMS system is helping us achieve our goal to be the most competitive, highest quality transportation provider in the region,” added Sordian. “Not only has it helped us maximise revenue available under existing contracts, but when it comes to competing for new contracts, the competitive advantage has exceeded our expectations.”

The system used at this transport company consists of two main devices, the MLT-400i, which is placed in the tractor, and the TLT-400i, placed in the trailer. The two devices send data back to the FMS Network Operations Center, which provides complete data security and reliable uptime.

Uptime
Users as well as the software company’s support team can access the application over the Internet. The users will only be able to browse the information relevant to their specific ‘missions’.

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Information transmitted includes everything from details about the load and driver, to the route, time of departure, time of arrival, driver speed and even vehicle maintenance requirements.

When the software company receives a request for logistics support, the company can quickly identify the location of all assets, determining which are available for mission assignment and dispatch or reroute as needed.

With devices in both portions of the tractor trailer, KGL TC even has the flexibility to separate a tractor from a trailer to pick up a more urgent load and return later to pick up the previous trailer.

Driver safety has become a major talking point for fleet managers in this region, especially with worrying increases in the number of road accidents within the Middle East.

According to governmental statistics, approximately 1,000 road deaths were reported in the United Arab Emirates last year, which has increased the pressure on transportation companies to increase their safety standards.

These systems also have the potential to reduce fuel and maintenance costs, lower insurance premiums and extend the lifespan of a vehicle.

However, despite these benefits, until now seems the response towards various types of management has been relatively lukewarm in the Middle East.

“After starting operations in the United Arab Emirates a few years ago, we noticed that companies liked the concept of fleet management systems, but were sluggish when it came to commitment,” explains Naim Hadi, general manager of Trakker Middle East, a pioneer of FMS technology in South Africa, Pakistan, Europe, Australia and Brazil.

However, it takes time to educate the market.

“In the United States and Europe, this technology has existed for over 30 years now and it’s had a presence in markets such as South Africa for 25 years,” he added.

With all the advantages of fleet management systems, we can all look forward to a bright new digital tomorrow.