The growing influence of technology

The effective management of a business fleet is a moveable feast. The world around us has always changed but the rate of change, particularly in the adoption and use of new technologies, is getting faster and faster. There is no better example than the intelligent application of technology, which is why we just launched the Arval Smart Experience. Adoption and use of tablets in the UK has increased from a penetration of 5% a few years ago to over 40% now. Customers and drivers expectations are equally changing and the fleet sector needs to rapidly adapt.

Fleet manager roles are changing

It’s no longer a given that a fleet is managed by a specialist fleet manager. We see that business vehicles now also sit within the remit of departments like finance, HR and procurement where the fleet isn’t always the number one priority for those responsible. For this reason they require a different kind of support, which often means detail replaced with key metrics, top-level information available in a way that is quickly and easily accessible, and ongoing access to advice to support them.

The car is becoming a mobile office

The car is becoming a mobile office and business drivers need the right information at their fingertips. The manufacturers are increasing connectivity within their vehicles but technology which isn’t built into the vehicle is just as important. If a driver has pulled into a layby, they expect to be able to use their smartphone or tablet, to access a full range of information, often tailored to their current location.

Businesses and drivers expect to be able to communicate with their fleet provider in a range of ways. From Twitter and Facebook to mobile tools which take them straight through to the relevant contact, they want relevant information at the touch of a screen.

A multi-channel digital approach is the future

All of these things mean that the most effective leasing companies will be able to provide the right information, in the right format, via the right channels whenever it is needed. A multi-channel digital approach is now a prerequisite to support traditional personal, telephone, or email communications. The use of apps, social media and tablet optimised content is only going to grow. However, with an abundance of choice, it will only be the best and most useful tools and content that prove popular and really add value.