Having developed a fully integrated software platform to handle driver and vehicle compliance and management suitable for all commercial vehicles and operators, Convey Technology says it can assist transport companies large and small in maximising the business benefits that can be gained by adopting a full digital solution. However, the company points out that a significant number of operators are still somewhat resistant to adopting a technology-based approach to compliance at all, or have adopted some elements of technology but have stopped short of moving to a fully integrated system.

Convey says it adapts the way it engages with these transport managers and operators to address the concerns that are holding them back from fully implementing a complete, software-based compliance management solution.

One of the most important lessons the firm learned early on, it adds, was that no matter how strong the argument is for the benefits of technical innovation, approaching the issue solely from a technology-led standpoint is not the correct strategy. Potential new clients want to know how the technology is going to be applied to their business and what that will mean to them, in terms of time saved, costs reduced and productivity increased. Amongst other things it must be reliable, secure, and be easy to use.

“We know first-hand the main concerns held by operators considering making the shift to comprehensive digital compliance management,” said Karen Crispe, a director at Convey.

“Our sales and support teams know when talking to potential clients, not to assume knowledge of technology. We talk to new clients about the benefits our platform will deliver in a non-technical, transport business-based language. In this way we can explain exactly how our compliance solutions will benefit their business.”

However, it’s not just slow adopters who need to look at how technology-based solutions can help them with demonstrating compliance and improving productivity, the company contends. If a business is already using technology-based compliance systems, it advises, it would be wise not to assume that it still has the best possible solution; given rapid developments in this area, it would be prudent to assess what solutions are available now in order to stay on top of the technology, maximise the benefits it can offer and keep ahead of competitors.

One of the standout benefits of using Convey’s compliance software, it says, is that everything is integrated into one single platform and all managed from a single, easy-to-use, cloud-based interface that can be tailored to fit each business.

Transport managers will see all their data in one place, they can configure and customise the system and reports to exactly meet their needs. They can see or receive notifications and alerts and can address them before they become critical. In addition, says Convey, they can quickly identify where performance can be improved, costs reduced, time saved and productivity maximised.

Cost is a major consideration for many operators, says the company, and there is a commonly held belief that the initial costs of investing in digital based solutions will be financially challenging. Adopting technology-based compliance solutions should not be a costly investment, Convey contends. With its system, the firm says, there are no contracts required, no sign-up fees or other hidden costs and no ongoing maintenance charges or licence fees. Users only pay for what they use and that all comes on a very clear, itemised invoice, issued monthly in arrears.

For some, the main barrier to adopting a new technology-based compliance system isn’t cost or technology related at all; instead, it is the belief that the process will be a complex, disruptive, time-consuming exercise with weeks spent learning the new system.

Said Karen Crispe: “Our support team are hugely experienced in helping clients migrate onto the Convey compliance platform and we will be with them every step of the way. We help configure compliance packages to suit their specific needs and we’ll create a highly detailed, fully supported roll out plan if required.

“We don’t subscribe to a standard, one-size-fits-all approach. That would not deliver the level of support our clients want to receive, nor would it match the customer specific support Convey is known for.”

Whilst ever increasing levels of technology are inevitable in the transport sector, says Convey, it has found that some businesses are concerned about the impact technology-based systems might have on their employees. Will the technology isolate or distance people and have a detrimental impact on teamwork and driver/manager relations? Operators who have worked hard to develop strong, positive employee relationships, may feel that introducing technology will put this at risk.

This is an easy objection to handle, says the firm, adding that it can demonstrate how its compliance solutions will enable driver/manager relations to be improved, and help to reinforce driver satisfaction and driver retention.

“Far from weakening workplace relationships, with our advanced digital solutions, we create strong foundations on which to build trust and strengthen relationships between drivers and managers,” said Karen.

“Just one example of this would be that feedback response times are dramatically cut between drivers and managers. This makes driver debriefs much more meaningful and effective. Driver debriefs can be conducted ‘on the go’ to improve efficiency and gain major time savings.”

Another main obstacle to embracing technology-based solutions relates to a lack of trust in the security and reliability of software-based systems, adds Convey; nobody wants to experience system failures from unreliable software or have their business compromised by a cyber-attack. It claims to address these reliability concerns with clear demonstrations of the widespread safeguards and security measures in place to keep its systems safe and reliable, and cites its use of the latest technology from Microsoft, emphasising its security and privacy credentials.

In addition, Convey’s platform and modules are continually being enhanced and developed in response to customer feedback and requests for new features.

 

The article featured above appeared in the Jan/Feb 2024 edition of Transport Operator

www.transportoperator.co.uk