Telematics Drives Construction Industry

Part 1 of an Industry Review From FLEETSense

– The Fleet Management Specialists

 

The UK construction industry has enjoyed a period of growth over recent years and the trend continues upwards. Despite the effects of recent economic challenges the building and construction sector is once again finding growing opportunities.

As with so many other sectors, transport plays a major role and whether it is a small building firm working on a modest housing development, or a large civil engineering firm delivering a major infrastructure project, transport is critical.

There are 5 key areas that relate to transport and logistics needs within the construction industry –

Efficiency –

For any business to operate effectively it needs to be efficient. The simple economics of cost reduction are an easy way to add direct profits to the bottom line.

Waste is an issue for all of us and today the pressures to control and minimise waste are not just focused on lost revenues. We also need to accept a larger, perhaps moral, perspective on the issue of waste. And this is especially the case when considering sustainability of resources and our need to protect the environment.

Being able to manage fleet transport in an effective way is paramount to controlling costs and reducing waste.

Safety –

Perhaps more than other, it is the construction industry that presents the highest safety risks to employees, staff and even the general public.

By the very nature of the business the transportation of construction-related materials is a big job. Often requiring big solutions and a careful observance of the need to maintain the highest levels of safety is critical.

The transport industry also has a high level requirement for attention to safety matters. Large vehicles, travelling for many hours, sometimes on challenging routes, all adds up to bigger safety considerations with higher risks.

Compliance –

The construction industry is very much led by the need to observe and be compliant of rules and regulations. Many of these are obvious and accepted as part of good safety and best practice.

Once again, the transport industry also has stringent legislation that requires full compliance, or results in the costs and penalties imposed. Costly penalties are a unwanted and unnecessary drain on bottom line profits.

When combined, the supply of logistics within the construction means a high regard for compliance and the avoidance of costly penalties.

Security –

The transportation of construction materials in large scale can present some major security issues. High value loads need protection and monitoring.

While the financial losses of lost or damaged loads represent one issue there are others. The security of personnel and staff is another key area that needs attention. As goods, materials and people function within the construction industry there is a need for traceability and accountability.

Security matters are not just the result of deliberate or even criminal intent; they are also about asset protection, thinking and planning ahead, so reducing risks and costs.

Responsibility

Corporate and Social Responsibility, even Environmental Responsibility; today, more than ever before, the construction industry has the need to meet the expectations (and legal demands) of the communities in which it operates.

More than this, responsibility is best practice. It reduces risk, increases better and safer work environments and can still become a cost-positive aspect of any business. Consumers demand ethical suppliers and constructors.

 

As technology advances, in particular in the field of communications and data management, a number of powerful resources are now becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry.

Fleet Management, Work-Flow and Job Scheduling are now all fundamental to the daily routine of all transport operations. With the clear and simple aim of achieving more, sometimes with less, in the most effective and efficient manner possible.

That’s why we have seen an explosion of interest and engagement in vehicle Telematics and Fleet Management solutions over recent years.

And in Part 2 of this Industry Review we’ll be looking at how this is happening now and where the opportunities are for the future.

 

If you operate a vehicle fleet within the Construction industry, now could be the right time to take a close look at how effective technology can drive real savings and boost your profits.

For a free initial conversation, guidance and recommendations on the best solutions contact us today.

Call the FLEETSense Team on 0345 459 4998

 

Read one case study below and find out how a Webfleet Solutions client in the Construction Sector saved over £44k