Between 30% and 40% of companies that use telematics once, fail to use it again, according to Simon Jackson, head of professional services at Eagle-i Telematics.

He suggested the key reason telematics deployments fail is that providers take a ‘one size fits all’ approach instead of a tailored solution.

Providers are also poor at helping to implement the system and providing support throughout the life of the contract.

Mr Jackson suggested ‘death by data’ was another reason fleet managers give up on telematics, as systems provide much more information than simply vehicle position, date and time.

His advice to operators that are implementing a telematics solution is to do so in six phases:

1. Conduct a detailed needs analysis – what do you need from the system?

2. Present a detailed proposal and project plan to senior management.

3. Install the hardware.

4. Provide training and education for users. Mr Jackson suggested software training is sometimes seen as ‘show and tell’, but it should be about how the data affects the business, what needs to be done with the data and who needs to take action.

5. Analyse the data and carry out a full benchmarking process (a stage which is often missed, in Mr Jackson’s view).

6. Review what benefits have been achieved.

Case Study

A change in drivers’ attitude was one of the main benefits of introducing a telematics system to AREVA’s fleet.

“They are safer drivers now,” said Russell Whalley, transport manager at AREVA. “There has been a reduction in the severity of accidents. We now have low speed incidents, rather than serious crashes.”

Another benefit was gaining full visibility of the fleet.

“One of our vehicles was stolen and within 15 minutes the police had been guided to the vehicle and it was fully recovered.”

Visibility of the fleet also means Mr Whalley can monitor working times, improving duty of care compliance, and can improve client response times.

In terms of fuel savings, he estimated a 5-8% reduction, which has gone some way towards the cost of the system.

Also, since introducing the system, there has been an 83% reduction in intended prosecution notices.

He stressed that the system had not been “used as a big stick” against drivers.

“The key is working with drivers and letting them see the benefits. Within the company there’s a general acceptance that telematics is for the good of all.

"Management is happy about the cost benefits, and from a transport manager’s point of view there’s more comfort that I’m fulfilling my role.”