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The start point for the best source of fleet information |
The Mobile+ element of Smart Experience is specifically aimed at drivers. The app is available to download on iPhone and Android devices and provides information and documentation in one place. It includes live maps for the closest service and maintenance sites as well as fuel forecourts and average prices.
Drivers can book a service and access their specific fleet's driving-at-work guidance and any other documents their manager wants them to have to hand. The mobile app also give drivers a handy countdown for when their contract runs out on their lease, as well as telephone numbers they need so they don't have to scrabble around in the event of a bump or scrape.
Okay, so 'gamification' sounds very Silicon Valley and a bit pretentious, but the idea is that it's possible to make boring, everyday work tasks fun by making them into a game.
Arval introduced the free Drive Challenge through Mobile+ to help improve driving efficiency. The mobile app needs to be switched on before a driver starts their vehicle, and then can be left alone.
The app tracks driving style through a GPS signal, measuring speed, acceleration and braking to highlight areas for improvement. Drivers can access the amount of points they have received for each trip when they're not behind the wheel, and it's possible to unlock rewards for the best, with a live leaderboard highlighting the most efficient staff in the business. Some cars already feature in-built technology like this, such as Renault's R-Link telematics system, but using an app means all drivers in the company can get involved as a group.
Fleet View forms the core of Smart Experience and it provides fleet managers with access to information about their fleet. It displays the most useful vehicle-related information at a glance, which Arval says can help improve efficiency for fleets because fleet managers are not having to pick through spreadsheets.
Customers can also get a detailed breakdown of information on their fleet and individual vehicles, an overview of their costs, a view of vehicle usage, and CO2-related metrics. Access to Fleet View can be modular, which means different people can be given a log-in that restricts or opens certain features.
Connect is an online resource for fleet managers and drivers that contains a range of information and tools. It's put together a bit like a consumer website and includes access to video reviews of new cars (conducted by a third party) and industry news to keep customers updated.
Businesses can also use a delivery calendar to keep track of vehicles due to arrive, as well as a garage locator to find available service and maintenance sites.
There's also an area that lets users manage up to six months' worth of invoices. The Connect service includes a centralised location for useful documents such as fair wear-and-tear guides. Finally, fleets can connect directly to Fleet View through the Connect website.
Arval launched a joint YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In presence as part of its Smart Experience. Pieczka says that, from the feedback the firm was receiving, there was an increasing desire from customers to engage through social media.
Arval has gone from a standing start of zero 'likes' on its Facebook page to more than 10,000 in less than a year. The firm's YouTube channel includes videos on corporate social responsibility and news updates, while its Twitter account is used to send out useful links, news stories or to interact with customers.
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