According to the IT experts at J.J. Keller, as more and more truck drivers use smart phones and tablets for work, an increasing number of fleets are taking advantage of this technological trend. Running an e-log system with drivers’ smart devices not only simplifies the implementation process, it greatly reduces up-front hardware costs. Plus, it lowers driver resistance by employing technology they are already familiar with—their own devices.
What’s more, this bring-your-own-device (BYOD) approach reduces a fleet’s IT and support costs, and takes advantage of constantly evolving innovation. An easy-to-adopt fleet management system also provides a smoother transition for handling increased regulatory requirements, including the anticipated electronic logging device (ELD) mandate.
When incorporating a BYOD option for running ELDs, fleets can be best served by a compliance management system that works with the widest range of smart devices on the market. This flexibility is the hallmark of a system that’s built to grow and support the company well into the future. Other capabilities fleets should demand from their system include:
• Hours-of-service rule changes reflected immediately in the system;
• Mobile alerts proactively warning drivers of potential violations;
• System updates done on the fly with no driver or vehicle downtime;
• Real-time monitoring that provides a clearer picture of fleet performance; and
• ELDs that can be installed quickly and easily for limited downtime.
Device mobility and fleet profitability
Today, with the constant financial threat of litigation, CSA scrutiny, shipper demands, increased inspections, DOT audits and driver turnover, a combination of both performance and compliance management tools is mandatory. Fortunately, BYOD technology can help here, too. Whereas many ELD solutions focus on providing “black box” reporting focused on fuel use monitoring and driver routes, the best BYOD solutions can also improve ROI via more accurate driver logs, better roadside inspections, and improved overall fleet compliance. In fact, a more flexible system optimizes every area to improve the bottom line, according to J.J. Keller.
To avoid a sudden financial burden when the ELD mandate does become a formal rule, many fleets have already invested in a mobile compliance system. They understand that now is the time to let smart devices help them run a smarter safety and compliance program.