Kwik Fit has installed telematics devices in its entire 200-strong fleet of mobile vans with the dual aim of further improving driver behaviour on the road and boosting customer service to even higher levels via operating efficiency improvements. 

Kwik-Fit Mobile was an early adopter of tracking technology when it first started identifying the locations of its vehicles 15 years ago.

Now the introduction of the latest telematics technology across Kwik Fit’s van fleet signals another major investment in the company’s mobile offering.

Following a six-month pilot, Kwik Fit has introduced technology from Telogis, which has its UK offices in Bracknell. Telogis provides a software platform that covers fleet management, telematics and mobile resource management, all hosted in the cloud, on a Software-as-a Service (SaaS) basis.

Phase one of the implementation programme focuses on using data recorded by the in-vehicle technology to influence driver behaviour and reduce fleet operating costs.

Additionally, later this year, Kwik Fit expects to launch its Mobile Control Centre Application which, when integrated with the Telogis telematics technology, will further aid mobile van route optimisation and identify increased opportunities to accommodate tyre repair and replacement work at short notice thus further improving customer service.

Kwik Fit fleet operations director Simon Lucas said: “Introduction of the latest telematics technology across our mobile fleet will deliver a raft of benefits to the technicians who drive the vehicles, the business and our customers.”

In phase one of the implementation, data recorded by the in-vehicle telemetry units monitors driver behaviour characteristics including acceleration and braking patterns, speeding and vehicle usage, fuel economy, vehicle idling and CO2 emissions; while real-time vehicle tracking enables driver/vehicle location to be monitored.

Sergio Barata, general manager EMEA at Telogis, said: “The power and versatility of in-cab and handheld devices coupled with the ubiquity of fast internet connectivity means that organisations are now able to harness enterprise-grade solutions for managing their mobile resources for a fraction of the overhead previously required.

“For forward-thinking companies like Kwik Fit, adopting a single platform for all their connected vehicle services and layering in their own proprietary customer specific data makes perfect business sense in helping them to provide an excellent service to customers, while optimising resources and managing costs.”

Lucas said: “Based on the data received we will be able to make targeted improvements in driver behaviour and vehicle utilisation.”

Introduction of the Mobile Control Centre Application later in the year in tandem with live in-vehicle telematics data will give greater visibility of the up-to-the-minute workload of each mobile van to both call centre staff and dispatchers alongside live details of Kwik Fit centre tyre stock with the opportunity to reserve required tyres.

Lucas concluded: “Combining our in-house technology with Telogis’ software platform will drive improvements in our behind the scenes processes that in turn will deliver an enhanced mobile service to customers notably in terms of our ability to accommodate same-day work later in the day.

“We are proud of our record for outstanding customer service and are looking forward to harnessing this new technology to further enhance the customer experience.”

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