Microlise’s technology itself is utilised in different ways by a sizeable chunk of UK fleets, and covers telematics, real-time journey management, planning, and proof of delivery solutions.
Over the last five years, the company has acquired various organisations which it has now integrated into the Microlise platform, enabling it to provide an even wider range of services to customers.
These acquisitions have included acquiring the assets of K-Safe Limited last year, the parent company behind the road safety products, Flare and Flare Aware.
In 2023, it acquired Vita Software, a leading provider of SaaS based Transportation Management System (TMS) solutions, which provides a range of order management solutions to fleet logistics operators.
In 2020, it acquired TruTac, a UK provider of fleet compliance and management software for HGVs and PSVs, followed by the acquisition of Enterprise Software Systems TMS last year.
Speaking on the side lines of the Microlise Transport Conference to Transport Engineer, product director Stephen Watson, said for Microlise, it is now all about the integration of its range of products into one package for customers.
As part of this, attendees at the Microlise Transport Conference were given an exclusive glimpse of the soon-to-be-unveiled Microlise One platform, which allows a single user ID for accessing multiple products. These integrations will enable the sharing of master data such as drivers, vehicles and locations to be available in all relevant tools.
Watson said: “It is about bringing together different aspects, so that customers are using one user account to start with, and they have one Microlise user ID. That ID allows you access into the products that you are subscribed to and allows you to move around those products easily.”
Microlise has also enhanced the user experience for users after making improvements, which aim to progressively enhance the look and feel without disrupting existing users.
Watson said it was important to create a consistent user experience across all products which is a long-term journey and it was an important for Microlise to make these enhancements.
He explained: “We have a new front-end experience that allows you to navigate around the products more effectively and any third-party integrations that they have got. You can manage the API keys for third-party partner products, because we are aware that all of our customers spend a lot of money on other products.
“It isn't all about exclusivity, it is about inclusivity and making sure that customers know they are getting the best value from all of the products they have got in the solution.
“So, if they are using a different maintenance system, a different compliance driver's hours system, the APIs allow the data to flow in, so that we can help with planning based on real-time vehicle availability. If a driver marks a vehicle is having a problem, then we can flow it back through their maintenance system so they can put the maintenance in.
“It is about extending the integrations between those. It's a journey and by no means an overnight thing to do, but we have created the wrapper for it and an entry point.
“It’s all about progressing the experience, so you have a better look and feel and, bringing a consistent user experience – and that is not an overnight journey.”
Watson noted that future plans for Microlise include predictive and suggestive insights to improve operational efficiency and driver engagement, noting the focus is on using data to make improvements and provide actionable suggestions to users.
He highlighted the importance of engaging with drivers and using data to help fleet operators to plan routes and manage risks more effectively.
Watson also emphasised the importance of data integration and artificial intelligence (AI), through solutions like trailer brake performance monitoring and driver safety cameras. The AI solutions help in understanding ongoing brake performance, driver distraction, and drowsiness.
