Trucks
Trucks
Whether it is for legal compliance or improving operational efficiency, staying connected is becoming increasingly important for transport and haulage companies. But how can you ensure sharing is seamless and efficient, while also protecting your data and privacy?
Connectivity is revolutionising the transport industry by being able to provide real-time data and improving efficiency, safety and customer service. When trucks can communicate and share information directly with operators and customers, it opens for new ways of value creation. This article explains how digital services improves productivity in the transport business, how to do it safe and how to get the most out of your business.
Today, more and more daily operations are being carried out digitally and the demands from customers and authorities are higher on the transport companies. For example, tachograph data needs to be shared with traffic authorities, customers want to access data instantly on delivery statuses and a growing number of companies want information on CO2 emissions associated with transported goods. For hauliers, this can mean a lot of extra time and administration.
In recent years, new digital services have therefore been created that can improve fleet management, route planning, vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption. Many of these services require data sharing between vehicles and operators, which can then be analysed and processed to create insights. For example, automated sharing of the vehicle’s position and estimated time of arrival to the transport buyer reduces administration and increases delivery satisfaction. Analysing data on fuel consumption can help identify areas of improvement and by extension reduce fleet operating costs.
“Allowing simple ways of sharing data will enable huge improvements in operational efficiency,” explains Johan Rundberg, Service Owner for Fleet and Transport, Volvo Trucks.
“However, it only has value when information is being used in the right way. There are big profits to be made for those who know how to use and interpret data".
Allowing simple ways of sharing data will enable huge improvements in operational efficiency. Volvo Connect makes it easy for operators to do it in the right way.
Volvo Trucks was the first truck manufacturer to introduce a digital fleet management system, Dynafleet, in 1996. A lot has happened since, and today Dynafleet has been replaced by Volvo Connect, which is both a truck fleet management system and the gateway to all Volvo Trucks digital services.
Since Volvo Connect is an open platform, it can easily be integrated with other logistics management systems, and it enables data sharing to be automated. For example, data on vehicle locations can automatically update systems for delivery tracking or customer invoicing. Or tachograph data can automatically update payroll systems.
Being an open platform also enables third-party developers to make their own integrations and specific digital tools, much in the same way third-parties can develop applications for smartphones, which broadens the scope and range of available tools. Even haulers with a mixture of truck brands can use Volvo Connect to integrate all data from its fleet.
“By enabling a lot of data sharing activity to be streamlined and automated, Volvo Connect makes it easier for customers”, says Johan Rundberg.
Despite all the potential benefits, generating large amounts of data via connected vehicles also creates high demands when it comes to privacy and cyber security. To begin with, there are multiple legal requirements that hauliers must adhere to, including the EU's GDPR regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in severe penalties.
There is also the need to uphold high standards in cyber security, as one breach has the potential to compromise an entire business. For these reasons, Volvo Trucks has long prioritised cyber security when developing its digital services, including Volvo Connect.
“As data processors, we are responsible for having complete control of the data’s security and we follow all the applicable regulations, including GDPR, to ensure its protection and privacy,” says Johan.
“As operators of the vehicle, our customers are in control of their own information. It is always they who decide how the data is used, including what data is shared, when data is shared and who it is shared with.”
As a result, Volvo Connect users can enjoy the benefits of data sharing via a range of digital and connected services, with the reassurance that their data is safe and their business is well-protected.
To learn more about Volvo Connect, watch this short introductory film, which will explain: