Revving up Your Service Business with Telematics

Whether you manage a team of mechanics, cleaners, electricians, landscapers or delivery drivers, running a service business in New Zealand means you need to stay on top of your fleet operations. At all times you need to know where your employees are and whether they’ll get to your customers in a timely manner while staying safe on the road. Fortunately fleet management technology can help you streamline your operations in ways you may not have realised.

In New Zealand, where the trades and services industry is a significant contributor to the economy, telematics is an increasingly popular tool for businesses with large fleets of vehicles. According to our global survey of more than 1,800 fleet operators across New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Mexico, nearly all (98%) businesses said they were using either a sourced or manufacturer-provided telematics solution across their fleet. But why are so many businesses turning to telematics?

Reducing costs and boosting profits

One major reason is fuel cost. Fuel prices in New Zealand have risen significantly in recent years, and service-based businesses that rely on vehicles to operate are feeling the bite. Telematics can help businesses reduce fuel consumption by providing a wealth of insights into driver behaviour, such as idling and harsh acceleration, which can waste fuel. Features such as real-time tracking and route optimisation also contribute to efficient fuel usage.

In addition to fuel cost, telematics can also help reduce maintenance expenses in several ways. By providing real-time data on vehicle performance and maintenance needs, businesses can ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained and avoid costly repairs down the line. This enables them to operate their vehicles more efficiently, reducing downtime and increasing productivity, which translates to higher revenues. Best of all, telematics allows businesses to make more informed decisions through easy-to-use reporting tools which provide a big picture of operational trends, costs and expenses and how they all impact your bottom line.

One of the significant advantages of using telematics is the ability to automate the mammoth task of managing road user charges. Switching to an electronic RUC system, service businesses with multiple vehicles on the road can accurately track vehicle mileage and calculate road activity for maximised RUC refunds, bringing money back into their businesses. Additionally, an electronic RUC system ensures compliance with road user charges regulations, minimising the risk of errors and administrative headaches. As compliance is made simple and everything is monitored online, businesses can avoid heavy fines for non-compliance or operating with expired licences.

​Safer drivers, better coaching

Another important factor is driver safety and a safer work environment. The social cost of each fatality in New Zealand is calculated as costing $4.9m, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. Service-based businesses often have employees driving long distances or navigating unfamiliar areas, which can increase the risk of collisions. With real-time analytics, telematics has made it easier than ever to introduce performance benchmarking, allowing drivers to see how they perform against targets and peers. By using driver scorecard module, drivers can get instant feedback on their driving behaviours, creating friendly competition in the company and motivating them to stay safer on the roads.

By working the data into coaching programmes, fleet managers can customise an interactive programme based on real-world performance and identify areas that need improvement. For example, the technology can detect when a driver is speeding, texting while driving, or not wearing a seatbelt.

In fact, our global survey found that 40% of businesses say that implementing telematics has helped to build a safe driving culture within their organisation. As putting people and their safety first is a key element of building a strong workplace culture, fleet managers can rely on telematics to amp up their coaching programmes and reward safe driving.

Efficient and sustainable practices

It’s no secret that more Kiwi businesses are working towards more sustainable solutions to operate their business, especially when it comes to cutting the paper.

Telematics supports eco-friendly practices by promoting simpler office work, and best of all, paperless processes. Telematics solutions automatically sync and store documents, reducing manual processes, minimising the risk of lost or damaged paperwork, and encouraging sustainable practices.

Telematics also enables smarter route planning, reducing travel time, minimising fuel usage, and cutting emissions. With telematics, businesses can monitor fuel usage, reduce idle time, and establish exclusion zones with geofencing to protect the environment from potential harm.

Protecting your staff and business from risk

Maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is crucial, and non-compliance can lead to severe penalties. However, it can be challenging to ensure the safety of remote workers while they’re on the job. Don’t wait for an incident or audit to review your business’s occupational health and safety (OH&S) policies and procedures.

We have dedicated solutions, support, and customer success specialists to help you develop an effective safety management system that protects your business and staff from risk. We understand the importance of OH&S and can help you ensure compliance with New Zealand’s safety regulations. With our support, you can create a safer work environment and prevent potential crashes or incidents, which not only protects your employees but also your business.

In today’s competitive and fast-paced services industry, it’s more important than ever to find ways to optimise your operations and stay ahead of the curve. By adopting telematics, businesses can reduce costs, improve driver safety, and increase efficiency, making it a valuable investment for any service-based business looking to sustain competitive advantage. More importantly, embracing the best technology also demonstrates to your customers that you’re a progressive, forward-thinking business that they can trust.