Installation of the integrated telematics system in cement tankers, tipper trucks and concrete mixers is well underway with the entire fleet set to be connected by the start of 2015.
The move will see more efficient route planning and provide a wealth of data on vehicle movements, to ensure maximum efficiency, minimal disruptions and improvements for both drivers and customers alike.
Hope’s enhancements come after the firm’s recent investment in 36 new Mercedes-Benz Euro-6 truck mixers.
The SaaS platform TomTom WEBFLEET will integrate with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software SAP allowing Hope to analyse data such as time spent at its depots, time spent on its customers’ sites, vehicle location and expected journey durations.
The vehicles are being fitted with the TomTom LINK tracking unit, which monitors vehicle trips, driver behaviour and provides fuel data access. There is also a PRO navigation driver terminal in each vehicle with specific truck navigation algorithms to avoid road restrictions and help the driver use the most appropriate route.
WEBFLEET then provides the company with a great insight into the performance of the fleet, creating the opportunity to address incidences of unnecessary fuel usage or inefficient practice - including routing, idling, revving and harsh steering or braking.
When a customer order is placed, the solution will allow Hope to send vehicles closest to the site to reduce waiting time for the customer. Efficient routing will also cut miles out of drivers’ journeys greatly reducing fuel consumption and consequently CO2 emissions. The accuracy of ETA will also mean Hope can warn customers if trucks are stuck in traffic and log the exact amount of time spent on site so customers can be billed accurately.
Mike Cowell, chief operations officer of Hope Construction Materials, said: "Reliability and understanding are key to Hope's organisational ethos so it is essential our service delivery both meets customer expectations and is flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances.
"This can only be achieved by optimising efficiency across our fleet of vehicles through improved planning, scheduling and utilisation. TomTom WEBFLEET allows us to do this, while simultaneously reinforcing our clear commitment to sustainability."
Giles Margerison, director UK and Ireland, TomTom Telematics, added: "The integration possibilities and scalability offered by WEBFLEET mean it will be able to grow and adapt in order to keep pace with Hope's ambitions to operate as efficiently as possible.
"Consequently, Hope will be able to implement a structure that both caters to immediate needs and is future proof, helping the company to maintain its already strong growth."
