The GPS and satellite navigation company, Garmin, has won the award for 'Innovation in Fleet Management 2007' from the UK's Institute of Transport Management (ITM).
ITM chose Garmin as the manufacturer most able to meet the challenges of the efficient movement of people and goods vehicles through its comprehensive product offering in automotive and fleet management innovation, as well as customer service excellence.
The award has been independently accredited after three months of undercover research by the ITM, looking for GPS solutions available to motorists and fleet operators. Garmin was particularly commended for its customer service, technological advances, reliability and value for money.
Commenting on the award, Patrick Sheedy, media and PR director of ITM, says: "The fleet manager is becoming increasingly dependent on technology to operate a successful fleet. Support for this technology is paramount to successful operations, and customer service from the supplier is a key element. In its findings, the Institute's fleet research team found the levels of customer service and satisfaction at Garmin to be of the highest in the entire fleet sector."
John Gallacher, CEO of Garmin's exclusive distributor in South Africa, Avnic Trading, says the company identified that one of the most important parts of the logistics cycle is supply chain traceability, particularly the tracking and traceability of transport, personnel and goods. It provides a support tool to the transport process that promotes efficiency, speed, cost savings and higher levels of productivity within the transport arena.
With these solutions partners, Garmin personal navigation devices provide the link that allows immediate and direct communication with mobile workers, says Gallacher. "This is achieved via text messaging to and from the Garmin unit, and instant re-routing message sending. For example, if the office needs to send the driver to a different location, the driver will receive turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions to the new destination. Alternatively, a route can be sent to the Garmin unit with all the driver's stops and deliveries for the day listed (including routes)."
Sensor technology also allows users to track information such as vehicle location, speed and direction of travel, cargo temperature, fuel status, idle times and number of stops.
In a dynamic business environment, where unforeseen route changes or delivery requirements happen daily, there is scope for significant time and cost savings due to improved communications, he says.
Other potential benefits include a reduction in fuel costs, increased pickup/drop off rates and an increased ability to monitor mobile workers and their vehicles.
Share
