The company has leveraged Webfleet’s open application programming interface (API) to integrate telematics data with incumbent technology.
“Before Webfleet, we had to collate information from three different systems,” said Mark Brewell, IT manager at Bowker Transport. “Now we can see everything we need to know instantly via the Webfleet dashboard.”
The company’s driver app is being integrated with the Pro8475 ruggedised tablet, allowing jobs and instructions to be sent directly to the tablet, while Webfleet’s truck-specific navigation helps drivers to avoid not just traffic, but also low bridges, narrow roads and sharp turns.
OptiDrive 360’s active driver feedback has also proved popular.
“Our drivers have described it as a real gamechanger,” added Brewell, “giving them immediate advice and feedback to help them drive more safely and efficiently.”
Webfleet’s insights are being used to confirm the comparative fuel efficiency of different truck brands to check that they are delivering on their performance promises.
A Direct Vision Standard (DVS) 2024-ready, 360-degree, AI-based camera solution from VisionTrack has been integrated into the same system, allowing Bowker Transport’s traffic desks to view vehicle data alongside camera footage on the same screen.
“If there is a customer issue or an incident, we can view the camera images in seconds. Unlike our previous system, it is automatically uploaded into the cloud,” continued Brewell.
The investment is a step in Bowker’s journey towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions goals. The company is running a 12-month trial switching its fleet and forklift trucks at the Droitwich depot to hydrotreated vegetable oil.
The company has also invested in a Volvo FE six-wheel rigid truck, which will operate from its Preston depot.
