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The start point for the best source of fleet information |
This app from TomTom focuses on operational benefits more than any other and behaves more like a software dashboard than a mobile application. In its latest form, the Webfleet Mobile app allows managers to issue drivers working in the field with new jobs (providing they have a TomTom Pro satnav device with them) and update them with additional information while they're out and about.
Fleet operators can also keep track of drivers via the app and view business journeys by date and vehicle or groups of vehicles. The system generates estimated arrival times and allows businesses to view a traffic map, which in turn allows them to plan around congestion.
It's also possible to send text messages straight to a driver's in-car TomTom system and keep track of order messages, while managers get automatic notifications when vehicles enter or leave specific areas. The downside is that it's the only paid-for app of our selection, costing £6.99 from the Apple and Android stores.
Giles Margerison, director, TomTom UK and Ireland
"In developing the Webfleet Mobile fleet management app we were very mindful of evolving business requirements - particularly those of service company managers who are frequently in the field, away from their office, yet who still need data about the activities of their fleet and mobile workforce to make quick, informed, business decisions.
"[This gives] businesses the flexibility to access important data on their mobile workforce, such as job ETAs, at all times, and critically to ensure their customers are kept informed. They can view details for all current orders, manage workflow and meet service agreements, and new jobs can be sent straight from a smartphone or tablet to a field workers' TomTom Pro device."
Regular readers will be familiar with Roadtrip as it won best app in our 2012 Techies Awards. It's another liberal manufacturer app that doesn't require you to own the make of car in question in order to reap its benefits, nor does it cost anything.
Much like Audi's Mileage Tracker, its purpose is to simplify business journeys and generate accurate expenses reports. It can operate across several vehicles and different mileage rates, too. It can also track trips via GPS as well as transfer information from journeys to other devices, and back up saved data.
Business drivers who carry out the same journeys regularly can save them within the app and refer back to them later to draw up identical expense reports.
The final report can be previewed on the phone and emailed directly to the accounts department, fleet manager or anyone else who is in the business of signing off expenses.
As a security measure, the app has a back-up function, which allows the user to save and back up all of the mileage data processed by the phone. It's saved within a cloud system, so it's even safe if the phone dies.
At the moment, Roadtrip is only available to iPhone users, but it won't be long before Vauxhall rolls it out across Android and tablet platforms.
Linda Unsworth, fleet communications manager, Vauxhall
"We launched Roadtrip in 2011 as part of our strategy to provide a fully integrated fleet solution. The app has nearly 9000 users who appreciate the time-saving and value-added benefits of the tool.
"The app also provides the facility to look-up competitor vehicles and mileage rates, check postcodes, build a library of journey favourites, track journeys using GPS, and generate expense reports downloadable to Excel spreadsheets.
"It will be available for Android and iPads soon."
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