We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Free to Auto Windscreens customers, this app from the vehicle glass specialist has six functions known as Assist, Stats, Trip, Fuel, Vault and Life. We won't go into all of them in detail, but the post-prang Assist function is arguably the most useful, as it provides a direct line from a driver to the local police as well as the driver's fleet manager, insurance company or broker, ensuring a speedy clean up after an accident. Photographs, voice recordings and further details of a shunt scene can also be recorded and compiled into a report, while windscreen technicians can be contacted via the same tool if the vehicle's glass has been damaged.
The other features handle the more pedestrian aspects of fleet management including mileage data storage and reports, a petrol station locator, a policy document storage facility and reminders for servicing, road tax and MoTs.
Richard Barnes, creative director, Auto-m8
"We developed Auto M8 to fill a clear gap in the marketplace. Almost all existing motoring apps had only one function. Auto-M8 combines multiple functions, including fuel logs, trip tracking, due date reminders, document storage and accident assistance.
"Telematics can be very useful in helping fleet managers keep track of their vehicles, but it's all too easy for drivers to forget about that hidden 'black box'. Auto M8 connects drivers directly to the box via their smartphone to encourage responsible driving, and helps fleets control the accident management and windscreen repair process, all at the touch of a button."
This one's a little off the wall compared to the other apps on these pages, but it's arguably the most useful of the lot. Free to download to all, the Specsavers Sight Check app essentially allows the user to conduct an eye test on the spot. Developed in collaboration with optometry specialists at City University, it checks the user's reading and visual acuity as well as carrying out what's known as a fan test to check for astigmatisms.
When the test is up, the app analyses the data and sums up the user's vision, risk factors and tells them whether or not they need an actual eye test, with a link to book one directly online. It also includes a version of the company's 'ask the optician' tool from its website, which acts as a Q&A system for users with questions about their eyesight.
Specsavers is quick to point out that the app is no substitute for a physical examination, but it's certainly enough to get employees to at least start thinking about their eyesight and whether or not they're fit to drive, which can't be a bad thing in terms of duty of care responsibilities.
Paul Carroll, director of professional services, Specsavers
"As an eye test, it's a bit of fun, but with a serious side to it. It makes the user aware of the importance of regular eye examinations as well as helping them to appreciate that some people are more at risk of preventable eye conditions than others because of their family history."
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
