A leading manufacturer of convenience foods is rolling out an integrated telematics and camera solution after trials proved the safety and sustainability benefits.

Greencore’s trial of the Webfleet tech led to a 3.9% improvement in mpg and 62% reduction in idling

Greencore runs a fleet of 525 vans and 136 HGVs, delivering 795 million sandwiches and 127 million ready meals a year to retail and food service customers in the UK.

An eight-week pilot trial of the combined HD dashcam footage and fleet driving data has led to a 3.9% improvement in mpg and 62% reduction in idling. Greencore has now deployed the Webfleet CAM 50 solution fleetwide.

“We wanted a sophisticated system which could deliver all the data we needed but in a simple-to-use package,” explained Jeremy Fitton, head of logistics at Greencore.

“Webfleet’s interface has been so intuitive that we’ve had fantastic engagement from our depot managers from the get-go.”

The technology gives the full context of road incidents and driving events to safeguard drivers, prevent accidents and lower the cost of potential insurance claims. It also offers full control over camera configurations to help meet the privacy needs of drivers.

“The cutting-edge solution is continually monitoring our drivers’ behaviour using advanced algorithms and AI learning, helping them to drive safer and greener,” added Fitton.

“In-cab cameras look out for signs of fatigue or dangerous habits behind the wheel, such as smoking, forgetting to use a seatbelt or mobile phone use. Instant warnings trigger the driver to take timely action to avoid danger, with persistent cases escalated for deport managers to address with driver coaching.”

It’s not just delivering safety benefits though and the telematics data has revealed 2.65% of all fuel was being wasted due to idling, with 80% of idling incidents happening at the depots when drivers were running their vehicles for longer than necessary to reduce the temperature of their fridges.

The technology will deliver significant savings in fuel costs and CO2 emissions, helping Greencore meet its ‘Better Future Plan’ sustainability objectives, transforming the food system to have a positive impact on people and the planet.

The company is also planning to launch a Driver Academy to recognise drivers’ efforts, improve their driving skills and reduce vehicle road traffic collisions further.

Beverley Wise, Webfleet regional director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, commented: “Fleet management solutions which leverage the power of AI are having an increasingly powerful impact on driver safety.

“This is another strong example of how Webfleet’s integration with complementary technologies can give fleet operators a fuller and more accurate picture of what is happening on the road.”