RAC Telematics is seeing increased fleet take-up in Northern Ireland following its partnership with Belfast-based leasing firm DFC.

Pauline Nelmes and Uel Butler from DFC, Belfast

The service uses RAC telemetry to transmit real-time location data as well as driver behaviour statistics, which can be managed on a portal by the fleet manager as well as the driver on their own smartphone app.

The service combined with RAC breakdown and accident management services, provides a fully connected package for customers. Established nearly two years ago, the service is benefiting fleets through reported reductions in fuel cost, vehicle downtime and accidents.

McCann Cabling Solutions, based in Dungannon, says it’s seen savings in fuel of almost 10% since taking the telematics option from DFC.

MD Conor McCann said: “Having the ability to know how long a vehicle spends on site and when it has left the client, has really assisted us with running an efficient fleet while increasing daily productivity, and indeed customer satisfaction.

“We’ve also seen an improvement in our administration time, the processing of the timesheets, mileage reports and advising clients on site-time, all done in minutes, it saves us hours of work each week. The safety of our drivers is very important to us and having the knowledge of how a vehicle has been driven helps us to monitor driver styles and implement improvement procedures.

“As such, we’ve seen a drop in speeding fines, an increase in MPG and an improvement on the fuel bill to the tune of about 8%, which all helps the bottom line.”

Uel Butler, chief executive at DFC, added: “We have a lot of positive feedback from customers around the use of telematics, especially as they have none of the installation costs, but all the benefits that comes with the system.

“When you consider the combination of RAC Telematics, along with breakdown and accident management, it is a powerful proposition and the brand carries a lot of trust and weight. It means we can offer the complete package.”